A SOLDIER from Colchester is preparing to spend Christmas on the frontline in Afghanistan.

Sapper Richard Murray, a former Philip Morant School student, will return to the war zone following two weeks of rest and recuperation, only days before December 25.

The 22-year-old is based with the 33 Engineer Regiment - Explosive Ordnance Disposal - at Woodbridge, Suffolk. He is part of a taskforce that has the job of locating roadside bombs.

The sapper said he will miss being at home with his girlfriend and two nephews Charlie, two, and George, one.

He said: “Having my leave so close to Christmas means I will probably get my presents then.”

“One of the lads out here has been sent a huge Christmas cake from his mum and he’s promised to share it around so, although we’ll be a few thousand miles from home, we’ll still be able to get into the festive spirit on the day.

Every effort is made to make Christmas Day special for the soldiers on the frontline.

Army tradition dictates that on Christmas Day the officers serve their men dinner.

Those soldiers who are not in a remote forward operating base or on an operation can look forward to munching through a variety of festive fare.

The Army chefs will be taking on some 15,000 mince pies and three tonnes each of turkey and gammon.

Sapper Murray is due to return home from Afghanistan in April 2011.