TOURS of Afghanistan are the norm for a serving soldier – but tours of the UK’s theatres and music venues? It’s a little more unusual.

But for soldiers Sergeant Major Gary Chilton, Staff Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Lance Corporal Ryan Idzi, it’s become business as usual.

The rather alternative “boyband” have scored album chart hits – with their first album going double platinum and their second silver.

Despite how keen The Soldiers are to record and perform, there were logistical problems.

“We are all still serving soldiers first and foremost,” explains Gary Chilton.

“The Army has been brilliant in allowing us to record during our leave, but because we have different postings getting the three of us in to a studio at the same time has been a nightmare. We have to work hard in short bursts.”

The Soldiers bring their show to the Lighthouse Poole on February 7 and they’ll be performing their usual blend of songs and banter.