An Army private, recovering from injuries after an explosion in Afghanistan, put his military training into action in a light-hearted way on Monday.

Sam Morgan, 28, a member of the Black Watch, was inside a vehicle hit by a roadside bomb in 2009 and his leg wounds are still being treated.

He is visiting his father Steve and his wife Jane at their home at Betteshanger, so attended rehearsals for a panto raising cash for Help for Heroes.

Mr and Mrs Morgan are palace guards in the cast so Pte Morgan, who lives in Scotland, went along to inspect them.

He said: "It is great that the village is organising a panto for Help for Heroes and I hope all the tickets are sold.

"At the end of both shows next week I am going to say a few words, although I am not sure what yet!"

The production Cinderella in Northbournia can be seen at Northbourne Parish Hall on January 22 and 23.

Tickets cost £6 for adults and £3 for children, available from 01304 365429. The show can be seen at 7.30pm on January 22, and the following day at 3.30pm at Northbourne Village Hall, The Drove, CT14 OLN.

* For full story buy the East Kent Mercury, January 13 edition.