MAJOR Graeme Mackay will be home from the front-line in Afghanistan to spend Christmas in Tidworth at a nativity of his own.

His wife Vix is due to give birth to their second child on Boxing Day and Graeme, who serves with locally-based 2 Royal Tank Regiment has been granted his rest and recuperation – the two-week mid-tour period of leave) – to coincide with their new arrival and a sibling for son Monty, aged two.

“I’m due back out to Afghanistan early in January, so I’ll have to hand him or her back to Vix until April when I’ve finished my tour,” Graeme was quick to point out.

The 35-year-old is currently on operational duty in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand Province. As a squadron commander Graeme is in control of several Mastiff armoured vehicles.

These 30-ton vehicles transport troops and equipment around the Nad-e-Ali district to and from the outlying Patrol Bases.

Graeme, along with the men in his squadron, have been receiving many parcels and letters of support from friends and family.

“There have been lots of parcels, I have personally had magazines, mocha-choca cappuccinos, and sweets,” he said.

“I’m a great fan of chocolate, although it’s only now just getting cool enough to send chocolate without it arriving in liquid form!”

As Graeme will be home for Christmas, he wishes the rest of his squadron a Merry Christmas.

“I know how difficult it is for the lads to be away at this time of year and I wish them well,” he said “For them and their families back in the UK I wish them Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”