Pop star Cheryl Cole landed in Afghanistan last night, on a mission to boost morale for British troops.
The 28-year-old went to Camp Bastion in Helmand Province to mark 10 years since UK troops have been fighting in the country.
She flew to the war zone to film a tribute to the Army, Navy and Air Force as part of the Daily Mirror newspaper’s Pride of Britain Awards, and to meet many of the 8,500 soldiers, sailors and airmen serving on the front line.
The programme will air on ITV1 next month and will be the first time the Girls Aloud singer has been on TV since she left The X Factor 10 months ago.
The singer, who had secret environment training with former British troops before she left, said she was “delighted” to be flying out to meet the troops.
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A source added: “Cheryl’s amazed by the courage of all those serving our country.
“When she was invited to go out to see them in Afghanistan, she immediately said 'yes'.
“She thinks it’s such a great cause and they deserve all the recognition they get.”
She cheered up soldiers from 20 Brigade, who are just starting an intense six-month tour in Afghanistan.
A soldier told The Daily Mirror: ““I couldn’t believe it was Cheryl joining us.
“It’s great she’s made the effort to come all the way out here. Not only does she look amazing but it’s a pretty big gesture. It’s cheered everyone up.”
