British bases in Helmand are being replaced by traditional Afghan mud compounds as troops withdraw from outposts across the province.

The UK has pulled out of 25 of its 37 major bases in Helmand, while dozens of smaller checkpoints and patrol bases are also being handed over to Afghan National Security Forces.

Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan will end next year, with British troop numbers to be halved to 5200 by the end of this year. There are visible signs of the presence being scaled back as the war nears its end.

Baked mud walls, common in the region and suitable for Afghan use, are being erected while British bases, constructed largely from temporary Hesco defence barriers, are rapidly removed.

There are plans for 94 new Afghan-style bases in Helmand under a £2.6 million scheme, three-quarters of which is being funded by the UK with the remainder from Denmark. So far, 41 have been completed.

Staff Sergeant Richard Walsh, a Royal Engineer, oversees 21 sites in the Nahr-e Saraj district. He said: "There would be no point spending money giving the Afghans Western-style facilities which they can't maintain. Orthodox-built earthworks, constructed without electricity or Western- style plumbing, are culturally appropriate and sustainable, allowing the Afghans to become self-sufficient.

"These buildings will be damaged in a firefight, but the Afghans will be able to repair that damage themselves."