A SIDFORD soldier was honoured in a ceremony last week following his return from Afghanistan. Adam Howe, 24, of the 1st Battalion The Rifles, was among 400 troops to march through the streets of Chepstow in their dessert combat uniforms before taking part

A SIDFORD soldier was honoured in a ceremony last week following his return from Afghanistan.

Adam Howe, 24, of the 1st Battalion The Rifles, was among 400 troops to march through the streets of Chepstow in their dessert combat uniforms before taking part in a Campaign Medals Parade last Thursday.

Thousands of people lined the streets to honour the soldiers who returned from combat during a six month deployment to the troubled country.

Among the crowd were Adam's proud parents, his girlfriend, godmother and brother's girlfriend.

Adam, of Jubilee Gardens, said: "There were a lot of people there and I was very nervous but it was a proud moment.

"People were clapping, shouting and cheering. The Band and Bugles of the Rifles was following the march-it was brilliant."

Back at the base parade ground at Beachley Barracks Adam was awarded the Afghanistan Medal and the ISAF Medal.

The young soldier, who was based in south Garmsir in the Helmand Province with 120 soldiers in his company, described his deployment as a "different" but "exciting" experience.

He added: "It was very hot and hard work!"

Adam, who lives with his girlfriend Nadine, 26, and three-year-old stepson, Harrison, was in Afghanistan over Christmas but his presents were waiting for him at home on his return.

"I did miss everyone a lot," said Adam

"But we were doing a lot of operations over Christmas. It was a busy time so it went quite quickly.

"We even bought a turkey off a local and had it for our Christmas meal!"

Adam, who is now based in Chepstow, will soon be taking part in a six week course, in which he hopes to be selected for promotion to Lance Corporal.

He will be will be returning to Afghanistan in 18 months and in the meantime will be taking part in training in Norway and Kenya.

Adam's younger brother, Aaron, is also serving in the army in the Royal Logistics Corp and is currently based in Germany.