THE man in charge of 500 north west soldiers was “dragged out” of his barracks - in a ceremony marking the end of his time with the regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel Gary Deakin, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, leaves for Germany after serving just over two years with his current troops.

And 42-year-old Lt Col Deakin paid special tribute to his soldiers for their sense of humour and dedication.

Lt Col Deakin said: "It has been a privilege to command these soldiers. They have been great fun to be around, even through the difficult period of our time in Iraq."

The married father-of-one added: "The battalion is like a community and when we are away we are each other's family. Everybody mucks in. I shall miss them all."

The battalion completed a six-month tour of duty in Iraq under Lt Col Deakin.

He has also oversaw the move of the battalion's 'home base', from Germany to Catterick Garrison, Yorkshire.

During his time with the regiment, Lt Col Deakin called for people to show more respect to soldiers protecting their country.

Speaking before the ceremony, he said: "After I made those remarks in the Lancashire Telegraph, 30 of my men were presented with their medals at a Rovers game and got a standing ovation from 30,000 people.

"I have seen a change in the levels of respect given to soldiers and it is well deserved."

In a ritual common in military circles, Lt Col Deakin was 'dragged out' of barracks at the end of his tenure. He boarded a Bulldog armoured vehicle and was driven out of camp, as soldiers lined the route. Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Fraser Lawrence, will take over stewardship of this proud fighting force.

Lt Col Deakin will now go to serve with the Allied Command European Rapid Reaction Corps in Germany.