A CHARD father spoke of his relief this week after his soldier son returned from a danger hotspot in Afghanistan where three colleagues died this month.

Pte Daniel Stone landed in Edinburgh on Friday and will return to Chard later this week having completed his tour of duty in Helmand Province.

There he worked alongside two of three men - L-Bdrs Liam McLaughlin and Ross Clark and WO2 Michael Smith - who were killed in rocket and grenade attacks on the southern Afghanistan base of Sangin on March 3 and 8.

Daniel's father Eric told the News: "He saw two of the soldiers on a daily basis to work with and chat to and he was pretty upset. It really hits home when something like this happens.

"I'm very relieved he's coming back. I spoke to him last Friday and again on Monday. He cannot wait to come home."

A fortnight before Britain tucks into chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday, April 7, Daniel will be feasting on a belated Christmas dinner.

Eric said: "He missed his birthday and Christmas.

"We're going to have a party when he comes home and a proper Christmas dinner on March 24."

Daniel is now concentrating on domestic service, with a major military exercise in Salisbury looming in July.

His older brother Jon is currently serving in Iraq and will return to Britain on April 27.

Eric said: "They are going to get a good welcome. All that matters is that they are back safe."