ROYAL Engineer, Sergeant Andrew Wilce from Mitchel­dean is just about making it home for Christmas from front line duty in Afghanistan.

And his big desire for the festive season?

"I'm so looking forward to being with my girlfriend Donna again and being able to slump into a nice comfortable sofa," says Andrew, 27, who is currently on operational duty attached to the Household Cavalry Regiment in Helmand Province.

He has, however, has become accustomed to being away at this time of year. During his career he has been away at Christmas three times. But this year, he's among a lucky few to be coming home a few days before Christmas for two weeks of R&R (Rest & Recuperation).

Andrew says he's been pleased at the number of parcels he has been receiving from friends and family in the run up to Christmas.

"The lads and I have been getting masses of stuff sent out to us," he explained. "One parcel came in recently with a home-made Christmas cake in it and it was the best cake that I have ever tasted. It is great to know that people are thinking of us out here.

"Donna, my girlfriend, has been writing to me about three times a day. She is a commuter and spends all her time on the train writing letters to me and it's fantastic for morale."

Andrew first joined the Army in 1994 having previously attended the King Richard School in Portsmouth. He is due to finish his tour of duty in Afghanistan in May when he can look forward to a period of post operational tour leave.