A ROYAL Engineer from Hampshire has given a glimmer of hope to children in one of Afghanistan's war-torn provinces.
Staff Sergeant Tim Hutton from Fawley co-ordinated the project to build the first play area in Helmand.
The £27,000 playground, which features swings, climbing frames, a football pitch and a covered picnic area with benches, was built by local Afghan contractors.
Staff Sgt Hutton, 40, said: "It has a football pitch, benches, swings and climbing frames and we've planted some hedgerows.
"The children love and it and since it was installed they haven't stopped using it which makes it all worthwhile."
Staff Sgt Hutton is a member of the UK Civil Military Co-operation team (CIMIC) whose job it is to find out new areas that have yet to receive any Western aid.
He is due to return to the UK to his wife Karen and three-year-old twins in April.
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