WHILE most of will be tucking into our Christmas dinners tomorrow, spare a thought for Josh Massey.

The 19-year-old from Combwich is a Private in the Parachute Regiment, and on Wednesday he flew back out to Afghanistan to continue his tour of duty in Helmand Province.

Although most of us have been cursing the recent snowfall, for Josh, it proved a blessing, as it delayed his departure from RAF Brize Norton by three days, meaning he got to spend more time with his girlfriend Jessica, parents Sarah and Allan, and sister Lauren, ten.

The day before he headed back to Afghanistan, the former Brymore School and Bridgwater College student told the Mercury: “I’m pretty gutted to be going back just before Christmas but you just have to get on with it.

“I don’t know where I’m going to be or what I’ll be doing but I expect we will be moving all over the place out there.

“I have been back home for just over two weeks and I have been spending time with my family and girlfriend letting everyone know I’m ok.

“We had our Christmas Day together a few days ago which was really nice and will give me something to think about back in Afghanistan.”

Josh’s proud mum Sarah said: “It's our first Christmas without him. We are very upset and worried about him. As long as he's safe, that's all that matters.

“He was quite homesick to start with but it seems he's enjoying himself over there in Afghanistan and feels he's making a difference.

“We are very proud of him too - what he's doing is amazing for his age. He trained hard to get in and they learn to be the best.”

Josh will return to the UK in March.