ARMED forces minister Bob Ainsworth said that the troops' work in Basra is the `military operating at their very best'.

Hundreds of troops from Greater Manchester and the north west remain in the area and the minister highlighted their work, saying: "The north west makes a tremendous contribution to the military."

But despite advice from officers that their job could be done by this time next year, he would not name a date for withdrawing the 4,000 troops that remain in the south east of Iraq.

He said: "I don't want to see us pull out too soon.

"There's been such a huge effort, such huge sacrifice."

He spent two days visiting the forces' base at Basra Airport as well as smaller camps where soldiers are living and working with Iraqi soldiers. Their job has moved to a training role since the Iraqi led Charge of the Knights operation which routed the militia who had controlled Basra's streets with violence.

He said: "This is my third trip to Iraq and in many ways the most uplifting. The troops are enjoying the tour.

"We've not had any casualties and there's a real sense of momentum and achievement."