The founder of a Lynn charity which supports bereaved military children has hit back at comments made by US president Donald Trump regarding troops in Afghanistan.

Nikki Scott, who set up Scotty’s Little Soldiers after the death of her husband in the country in 2009, has slammed Trump for claiming that Nato troops stayed “a little off the front lines” and were “never needed” there.

Corporal Lee Scott was 26 when he was killed during an explosion while taking part in an operation in Helmand province with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

Ms Scott, who founded Scotty’s Little Soldiers the following year, said in a video posted on the charity’s Facebook page today: “We know comments made over the past 24 hours have been deeply upsetting for many, especially for those affected by the deaths of British personnel, in or connected to their time in Afghanistan.

“At Scotty’s, we want to reassure you that those who matter absolutely understand the sacrifices and the difference made by our Armed Forces supporting the Americans in the conflict.

“My husband Corporal Lee Scott was killed in Afghanistan while serving with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment. He not only left behind me but also our two children, Kai and Brooke, and many others who loved him dearly.”

Ms Scott shared a line Cpl Scott had written in briefing notes found among his belongings from Afghanistan that said: “We will make life better.”

“Lee believed in the work he was doing in Afghanistan, he believed in making life better for the everyday Afghan people, and I believe in the difference he and all our Armed Forces made, and no one should tell us otherwise,” she added.

Ms Scott also encouraged anyone who has been affected by the comments to contact Scotty’s Little Soldiers, as she shared that the charity is set to expand its services this year.

“Over the last 15 years now, Scotty’s has been supporting bereaved British Forces children and young people and their families,” she said.

“Later this year, we will be building on that work to open up our support to all those affected by military-connected bereavement in the UK.

“We aren’t quite ready to launch this just yet, but if you’ve been affected by the comments made yesterday, then please feel free to reach out to us via email at families@scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk

“You are not alone, you are part of our community.”

It comes as the Prime Minister’s official spokesman condemned Mr Trump’s remarks, saying UK forces had served alongside the US and Nato in “sustained combat operations”.

Pointing to the 457 British deaths in Afghanistan and the “many hundreds” more who were wounded, he added: “We are incredibly proud of our Armed Forces and their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Mr Trump made his comments in an interview with Fox News in which he reiterated his suggestion that Nato would not support America if asked.

He said: “We’ve never needed them.

“They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan… and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.”

His remarks drew condemnation from across the political spectrum, with critics pointing to both the number of UK deaths in Afghanistan and highlighting Mr Trump’s avoidance of military service in Vietnam.