A SOLDIER will be spending his first Christmas away from his family in war-torn Afghanistan serving on the frontline.

Private Ian Barns, from Southend, will be tucking into his festive dinner and unwrapping his presents while on duty in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of the Helmand province.

Ian, a member of the mortar team, provides vital fire support to colleagues on the ground, with a formidable 81mm mortar gun.

The 20-year-old former pupil of Prittlewell School, who has been in the Army for two years, will finish his tour of duty in April.

He said: “This will be my first time away on duty at Christmas, although earlier in the year I went to the Falkland Islands and Kenya.

“When I am at home I usually go to my mum and sister’s for Christmas and eat and drink a little too much. I am not too sad about missing out this year because I will be able to keep fit out here in Afghanistan and I don’t have to worry about Christmas shopping.

“My mum has put Christmas on hold until I am back so I have something to look forward to.”

Like other soldiers in the Colchester-based 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, Ian gets parcels from friends and family to bring the festive spirits to the troops.

Ian added: “I have been getting a parcel a week from mum.

“They have mainly been Pot Noodles and other treats to eat which definitely helps to make life out here a bit more comfortable.

“The other day we had a container full of parcels and presents and it looked like Santa’s grotto.

“Everyone is happy to get something even if it is not much, it is just reassuring to know someone is thinking of you.”