Linda Norgrove's parents visit Afghanistan for first time since her death

Linda Norgrove: Kidnapped in Afghanistan in 2010.

The parents of Lewis aid worker Linda Norgrove have visited Afghanistan for the first time since their daughter was kidnapped and killed.

The 36-year-old died in October 2010 in a botched rescue attempt two weeks after she had been kidnapped by insurgents.

Her parents, John and Lorna, have travelled to Kabul to visit a number of the projects funded by a charitable foundation set up after their daughter's death.

The Linda Norgrove Foundation raises money for projects which help women and children in Afghanistan.

Mr and Mrs Norgrove said the visit was emotionally draining but "immensely valuable" to give them a sense in how things were going on the ground.

Linda's father said: "We could not believe the change in the country since our visit there as newlyweds in the 1970s.

"Until you see it, it's difficult to appreciate the scale of the military operation in the country. In 2011 the cost of the war was $103bn and aid $15.7bn. This equates to around $20,000 per Afghan family per year in US spending alone.

"By contrast a teacher heading up this notional Afghan family might receive $20 a week, if he gets paid at all. This imbalance inevitably exacerbates corruption.

"That is why we are so determined to make sure the foundation only funds projects where we know the donations people give us will make a real difference on the ground."

They visited the Afghan Educational Children's Circus - which has been given £9135 by the foundation.

IN DETAIL