A light will be kept burning until the last Dorset solider from 1 Rifles returns home from Afghanistan.

The candle has been placed in a storm lantern outside the battalion’s barracks near Chepstow in south Wales.

The idea came from base guard Peter Pike.

He said: “It’s to show solidarity with the guys in theatre who feel isolated. We won’t be happy until they come back.”

Mr Pike gets to know the soldiers and their families and sees their emotional homecomings and departures.

After each future tour, a plaque will be added to the lantern.

1 Rifles was formed from the Devon and Dorsets in 2007 and there are dozens of local men in its ranks.

The unit is currently deployed in central Helmand and is due to return in the next couple of months. The light will kept on until men who went out as replacements come home in the new year.

Major Alexander Price, commanding the base, said: “It’s an amazing and thoughtful gesture.”