AN ABERGAVENNY police community support officer is rejoining the Army to serve on the front line in Afghanistan - in memory of his best friend, killed in action in the treacherous Helmand Province.

Former paratrooper Darran Grady, 41, who spent 20 years in the forces in places like Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Macedonia, before joining Gwent Police, was inspired to join up again after the death of former schoolfriend Michael Williams who died in June.

The pair went to Lewis Boys' School, Pengam, together and Mr Grady joined the Royal Regiment of Wales in 1985. In 1989, he moved to the Parachute Regiment so he could serve alongside Mr Williams, from Caerphilly.

Mr Grady boxed alongside his friend, played rugby with him and then served in Afghanistan with him in 2002.

At the rank of corporal, he left the forces in 2004 to work for Gwent Police in the Cantref and Grofield wards of Abergavenny.

His friend was promoted to Sergeant Major but was shot dead while aiding an injured colleague in June this year.

The incident happened in Helmand Province during a firefight with the Taliban. A young soldier had stepped on a landmine and Mr Williams was killed after going to help him.

The number of British forces personnel killed in the country since 2001 now stands at 122.

Mr Grady said: "I thought that we would be old men together, stood by the cenotaph and remembering the country’s heroes.

"He was only 40, but on Remembrance Sunday, I won’t be remembering with him, but remembering him."

Mr Grady is commando, parachute, weapons, abseiling, mountain expedition and dog handler trained.

He also gained a distinction on the Combat Medical Technician Course. It was while at Mr Williams' funeral, he realised he wanted to put these skills to good use on the front line.

"I know there’s a shortage of medics and colleagues who are still serving kept saying ‘we could really have done with you out there’ when referring to their tours," said Mr Grady.

After reading about a regiment that suffered 15 deaths during six months in Afghanistan, his mind was made up.

"Michael was such a good person, he led from the front and always had time for people. Joining back up is not for vengeance, but in memory of him, knowing I can give something back to those serving," added Mr Grady.

He will join the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh, based at Tidworth Barracks, on December 1. The regiment is due to tour Afghanistan in March next year.

Mr Grady will work as a corporal in an infantry battalion and will primarily be involved in medical work.

His duties will include treating soldiers for trauma, gun shot wounds, land mine strikes and burns.

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Before going back into the Army, Mr Grady will travel to London on November 13 as Gwent’s nomination in the national Community Police Officer of the Year Awards.

He will also receive a Chief Constable's Commendation at County Hall, Cwmbran on November 19. This is in recognition of his work in the community which included restraining an offender until officers arrested him.

This happened last September while driving to work. A drink driver - later found to be three and a half times the limit - had hit two cars near Park Road, Abergavenny.

Mr Grady recognised the driver as someone who had previously tried to stab an officer.

He flagged him down, but the driver failed to stop and headed towards him.

He jumped out of the way of the vehicle before it hit a kerb and crashed into a van.

Mr Grady used his boot to smash the window and pulled the driver out, restraining him.

MR Grady lives with his wife of 18 years Louise, 39 and daughter Georgia, nine.

Mrs Grady said: "When Darran watches the news, he gets frustrated as he wants to help those still serving.

"He has so much to offer and the forces are crying out for people with his skills. We are very proud of him."