A NORTH-EAST soldier has spoken of his experiences fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Carl Boyd, 31, from Stanley, County Durham, is coming to the end of a six-month tour in Helmand Province.

The soldier serves with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (1RRF) based in Tidworth, Wiltshire.

The former pupil of Tanfield School, Stanley, has been in the Army for 14 years, having followed in the footsteps of his father, Captain Tony Boyd.

Sgt Boyd said: “From a young age I wanted to sign up and join my dad in the regiment. I really looked up to him, and wanted to make him proud of me. And he is.”

He is currently a force protection commander providing protection for the commanding officer when he is moving between locations.

Sgt Boyd said it had been a busy tour – he has previously served in Northern Ireland and Iraq.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed this tour. One highlight has been that we’re leaving the country in a much better state than when we arrived.

“The Afghan National Army have taken on a lot more responsibility, and I’ve seen huge improvements in terms of their overall capability.”

He added: “Because we’re working side by side with many people every day, with different religions, backgrounds and cultures I’ve had to learn how to adapt to these. I hope I can take these skills back to the UK with me.”

Outside of his working role, Sgt Boyd has captained the Army Infantry football team for the past four years and has also boxed for the regiment. 

Asked what he had missed during the tour, he said: “I’m looking forward to seeing my daughter Natasha again. And of course Newcastle United - I’ve missed them.”