EAST Lancashire soldiers will be spending Christmas on the front line in Afghanistan.

Craftsman Nathan Sewell, 22, from Oswaldtwistle, has a dangerous job, recovering vehicles that have been damaged or have broken down in fighting with the Taliban.

Corporal David Hooper, from Burnley, 21, is serving with the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers providing helicopter escorts, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Craftsman Sewell said he would listen to the Pogues' classic Christmas anthem Fairytale of New York on the big day, to remind him of home.

He is on a six-moth tour of duty and is not due home until February for a break, ahead of the end of his stint in the warzone in April.

The former Rhyddings High School pupil said: "Each year we have everyone in our very large family around for Christmas dinner which means 26-30 people sitting down to eat. But this year, unfortunately, there’s going to be a spare seat."

In a message to his family he said: “I’m missing everyone back home - have a drink for me with all the family.

"Don’t worry, I’ll be out here listening to the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl singing ‘Fairytale of New York’ on Christmas Day.

“Merry Christmas to everyone and look forward to seeing you when I get back for R&R in February.”

For Cpl Hooper, who turned 21 in Afghanistan earlier this year, it is the first time he has been away for Christmas.

He said: “I’ll miss spending time with my family and girlfriend, Kate-Louise.

"I’d normally spend Christmas at home with the family, and go out with my mates in the town.”

In wishing everyone back home in Burnley season’s greetings, he added: “See you all when I get back and we can make up for Christmas, my 21st birthday and New Year.

"Merry Christmas to everyone back home in Burnley and have a great time.

"Love you Kate.”