THE Somerset County Gazette's Shoulder to Shoulder campaign supporting 40 Commando will today receive the backing of another Government Minister.

Alistair Burt, Foreign Office Minister responsible for Afghanistan, is in the Taunton area.

He is visiting Norton Manor Camp - the Royal Marines' base in Norton Fitzwarren - this morning, where he will tour the site and talk to Commandos.

Mr Burt will be joined by Taunton Deane MP Jeremy Browne, who has already expressed his support for the Shoulder to Shoulder campaign, which called on people to back the Marines and their families during their recent six month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The two politicians will then visit the Royal British Legion offices in Mary Street to meet representatives from organisations involved in supporting the armed forces and their families, including Help for Heroes, The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, The Royal Air Force Association, as well as the RBL.

The Ministers will have a chance to learn about the local work of these organisations as well as discuss the UK's wider approach and progress in Afghanistan. It promises to be a busy day for Mr Browne, who is later off to Sheffield, where he is due to take part in BBC1's Question Time this evening.

For a report and photos of Mr Burt's visit, watch this website and get your copy of next Thursday's Somerset County Gazette.