AT 22, Territorial Army soldier David Young is an inspirational young man.

Of course, he would say he is just one of tens of thousands of British soldiers and airmen who are putting their life on the line in Afghanistan, being fired at by machine guns, mortars, rockets and grenades on a daily basis.

And he would be right.

But today we would like to recognise his bravery, among those many other servicemen and women, and wish him all the best during the festive season.

During his tour of Afghanistan it was Riflemen Young’s job to walk in front of Army vehicles using a metal detector to search for improvised explosive devices.

When he found one, he would call in the bomb disposal experts to try to diffuse it.

He witnessed a colleague blown up, one of 13 soldiers with 2 Rifles killed during his tour.

Riflemen Young is a fines clerk at Bicester Magistrates’ Court.

But this year he put his life on the line in the service of his country. Aged just 22.

Today we also feature an interview with Guardsman Darren Poser, from Oxford’s Blackbird Leys estate.

The 24-year-old has been helping to supply equipment to his unit, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, in Afghanistan.

“Losing friends and work colleagues can be heart wrenching,” he said, “but I know I am in the right place doing the right job.”

Whether you support the war in Afghanistan or not, support these young men doing their duty who are an inspiration to us back home because of their bravery, conviction and belief in themselves and what they do.