IT was a busy January which kicked off with a private trip to Gunjur in the Gambia, a village which has been twinned with Marlborough for more than 30 years.

I saw the enormous benefits the link has brought to both communities but also some of the thorny problems that can’t be avoided, such as how to help build a local economy without creating a hand-out culture.

I arrived back to snow, travel disruption and a huge amount of media interest in an interview I had given while I was away about my new role as the special adviser to the Prime Minister on childhood protection matters.

My innocuous suggestion – that parents should feel more confident about getting involved in their children’s digital lives – triggered an outpouring of support.

Government, schools and the digital industry all have a role to play but, ultimately, parents are responsible for child safety – and we are, after all, paying for the family’s mobile phones and internet connections.

My Defence PPS hat was also given an airing this month, first with a fascinating visit to HQ Theatre Troops at Trenchard Lines and then a whirlwind trip to Afghanistan with Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary, starting in Kabul, where we met local politicians, diplomats, entrepreneurs, ISAF Commanders and Afghan Generals, and then headed to Helmand Province to see British, American and Afghan troops on the ground in Bastion and in several remote bases.

The professionalism and commitment of our armed forces was as clear as ever, as was the progress being made by the Afghan armed forces in taking over their own military operations.

I met many local soldiers currently serving with the Black Rats of the 4th Mechanised Brigade who are leading Op Herrick 17 and enjoyed excellent curry, sponge and custard in Camp Bastion. With food that good, it’s no wonder morale is high.