A SOLDIER from Bude is helping to save the lives of British and Afghan troops on Afghanistan's frontline during his second tour in the country.

Corporal Thomas Bray is serving with Plymouth-based 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, who are attached to The 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 Rifles) on Operation Herrick 14.

The 27-year-old is a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). He has the vital job of calling in 'fast air' — communicating with fighter jets or attack helicopters — while his mates are on patrol or carrying out joint missions against insurgents alongside their counterparts in the Afghan National Security Forces.

For a full report, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.