By Hayley Robinson

The parents of a former Borden grammar pupil have told how they are postponing Christmas until their son returns from fighting on the frontline in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Aden Philpott, pictured, left for his first tour of duty in the war-torn country two months ago and is based in Helmand Province.

The 24-year-old hopes to return home in April next year.

His parents, Lorraine and Philip, from Sittingbourne, have spoken of their pride in Aden and also their older son Liam, who has completed two tours of duty.

Mr Philpott said: "We are very proud but also worried and anxious, all the normal things you would expect if you had a son in a war area.

"The first you think is Aden when something comes up on the television, but this is his job."

Mrs Philpott added: "There are probably other families in the Sittingbourne area in the same position as us. We appreciate what the boys out there and those who have been out there do."

Lieutenant Aden Philpott left the UK at the end of September and is now based in the Nahr-e Seraj area of Helmand Province in Afghanistan, where he is charge of a gun position on the frontline.

Coping with the fact their son is in a war-torn country is not new to Lorraine and Philip Philpott.

Their older son Corporal Liam Philpott, 27, of 23 Regiment Royal Engineers, has already completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan. There was a chance he was going to be deployed there at the same time as his brother but a change of job meant he stayed behind.

With Aden, a former Borden Grammar School pupil, not expected home until April next year his family has decided to postpone Christmas until he returns.

Mrs Philpott said: "This will be a new one for us as they've never been away over Christmas. He should be home in the new year so we'll have a big Christmas then. You can have Christmas any day. We're not that religious to think it's got to be on that day."

In his normal role in the UK, Lt Philpott is a troop commander for 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, in Colchester, where he is responsible for the welfare, training and discipline of his troop of over 30 men.

While on operations all of his UK duties remain, but additionally Lt Philpott is also responsible for ensuring that the correct bearing and elevation data is given allowing the 105mm artillery guns to fire accurately at long ranges.

All of this work is done using a number of different radio communication systems as well as a purposely-built military laptop out of the back of one of the Army's armoured Ridgeback vehicles.

Before leaving the UK Aden arranged his brother's stag do - the details of which remain a closely guarded secret as Liam doesn't know what has been arranged.

Although he won't be home in time for the pre-wedding celebrations it is hoped he will be home in time for his brother's big day at the end of April.

Coping with the fact their son is in a war-torn country is not new to Lorraine and Philip Philpott.

Their older son Corporal Liam Philpott, 27, of 23 Regiment Royal Engineers, has already completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan. There was a chance he was going to be deployed there at the same time as his brother but a change of job meant he stayed behind.

With Aden, a former Borden Grammar School pupil, not expected home until April next year his family has decided to postpone Christmas until he returns.

Mrs Philpott said: "This will be a new one for us as they've never been away over Christmas. He should be home in the new year so we'll have a big Christmas then. You can have Christmas any day. We're not that religious to think it's got to be on that day."

In his normal role in the UK, Lt Philpott is a troop commander for 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, in Colchester, where he is responsible for the welfare, training and discipline of his troop of over 30 men.

While on operations all of his UK duties remain, but additionally Lt Philpott is also responsible for ensuring that the correct bearing and elevation data is given allowing the 105mm artillery guns to fire accurately at long ranges.

All of this work is done using a number of different radio communication systems as well as a purposely-built military laptop out of the back of one of the Army's armoured Ridgeback vehicles.

Before leaving the UK Aden arranged his brother's stag do - the details of which remain a closely guarded secret as Liam doesn't know what has been arranged.

Although he won't be home in time for the pre-wedding celebrations it is hoped he will be home in time for his brother's big day at the end of April.