BRAVE soldiers from Scunthorpe serving in Helmand, Afghanistan, are thinking about their return home as they tackle the Taliban.

Of the Queen's Royal Lancers (QRL), which recruits in Lincolnshire, out in Helmand Province few work harder than those selected for the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF).

The men in the BRF are shipped from base to base to support struggling patrols and can be fighting insurgents and meeting with locals for weeks on end.

The regiment of more than 100 men are constantly on the move and on returning to Camp Bastion, are on 48-hour alert.

Their work involves speaking to locals, finding out what they need and fighting the Taliban.

Two young soldiers from Scunthorpe are among the QRL contingent of the force.

Trooper Alex Craven and Lance Corporal Liam Bradley miss similar things from home – going out with their friends and their partner.

But on the ground, the two young soldiers risk their lives on a daily basis.

Trooper Craven, 20, said: "I was shot in the helmet on the last patrol. I heard the gun fire go past me so I just dipped my head down and it bounced of my helmet.

"I don't think people really understand what we do, it is difficult to explain to my friends."

The BRF are shipped out when the men at patrol bases, which hold tens of soldiers rather than hundreds, need to push further into their patch of Helmand.

Lance Corporal Bradley, 24, said: "We just go out to whoever bids for us. There is a really quick turnaround, so you always have to be prepared.

"There are a lot of different roles, but you need men out on the ground.

"It can be physically demanding, but it is what we do day in, day out, so you get used to it quickly."

Sapper David Carnaby, 19, of Brigg, is hoping to return home before the birth of his son in October.

The young soldier works with the XV Field Squadron of the 21 Engineers, who work to clear routes of improvised explosive devices and make it safe for the men following behind. He said: "I drive out the engineers and mechanics when a vehicle gets hit.

"The armour normally hasn't been touched, it makes the lads feel better knowing the vehicles are holding up really well.

"I'm really looking forward to being a dad when I get back. I'm due home at the end of the month, so I should be there for the birth.

"My girlfriend, Decca, wants me there."