SOLDIERS serving in Afghanistan arrived in Liverpool as part of their latest mission – to run 350 miles to Belfast.

The team of eight, from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, want to complete their fundraising challenge in eight days. They stopped off at the city’s Adelphi hotel yesterday. The seven men and one woman aim to finish with the 30th Belfast City Marathon on Monday, May 2.

The troops had set off from Tern Hill in Shropshire and want to raise “a significant amount” for charity.

Royal Irish captain Gregg Hutchison, 32, said: “We are running from Tern Hill where we’re based in order to run the Belfast Marathon.

“A team of eight members who are currently serving in Afghanistan are going to complete the 350 miles in eight days.

“As part of the challenge the team is hoping to raise more than £20,000 for three charities. The run is supporting The Army Benevolent Fund, Help for Heroes and The Royal Irish Regiment Benevolent Fund.”

The route will include Liverpool, Blackpool, Kendal, Carlisle, Dumfries, Newton Stewart, Stranraer and Belfast.