An airman from Carterton who is serving in Afghanistan will be giving his family the best Christmas present this year -- his safe return home.

Corporal John Caruth, 32, is one of 900 British service men and women who have spent the last few months in the war-torn country.

Mr Caruth, who is part of a team of technicians based at Kandahar airbase, will be home in time for Christmas dinner with his pregnant wife Lorraine and daughter Megan, four.

He said: "I'll be glad to be home for Christmas and send lots of love to my wife and daughter and to my family in Antrim and Glasgow."

Mr Caruth is usually based at Brize Norton on the Tactical Communications Wing.