NEIGHBOURS flew flags from their windows to welcome a Duke of Lancaster soldier home from Afghanistan.

Cpl Daniel Riley, 23, who has just spent six months working with the Afghan army in the war-torn Helmand province, returned home to find Bentley Street, Blackburn, swathed in English flags.

He said his experiences as a full-time infantry soldier in Afghanistan had been "much worse" than his last tour, as a Territorial Army soldier in force protection in Iraq.

This time around, he was working closely with civilians, and had the dangerous mission of protecting and supporting the Afghan army as it tries to take control.

The former Our Lady RC High School pupil faced daily threats and attacks from insurgents, and in one incident, narrowly escaped serious injury after driving over a concealed landmine.

The explosion caused the six-man crew's vehicle to somersault, and though Daniel was relatively unharmed, his colleague was forced to have a leg amputated.

Daniel said: "It was one of the first patrols we did, and I know it's a cliche, but the training really does take over and we all managed to get out .

"It was a million times harder than Iraq, and it's a relief to be home because some of the incidents were getting very close to us, but things are getting better there.

"The infrastructure is being built now, and most of the people could see that we were there to support the Afghan army, not to take control.

"It's a very tactical fight against the Taliban. It's like a big game of chess, but we are getting them into a corner now.

"It's great to be home and to see all this support from everyone. I wasn't expecting that. People have really started to support the armed forces again and see that we are not there for the politics. We have just got a job to do."

Daniel spent six months in the full army, rather than the TA, for the Afghan mission. He was serving under the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment on a special limited contract.

He now intends to remain in the TA, and hopes to study adventure sports management at university later this year. His eventual ambition is to become a police officer.

Mum Kay Tate, 43, said: "I'm so proud of him, and I was really pleased that everyone said they would put the flags out for him.

"It's brilliant to have him home. There's no feeling like it and he really is a hero. He's worked very hard and he deserves this welcome."

Next-door neighbour Annette Aspin, 55, added: "I have known him all his life and it's great to see him come back safe and sound. When you know someone out there, you're on pins listening to the news and worrying about them. He's done a fantastic job."