A NORTH-EAST commando who lost his leg in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan will return to active duty, the Ministry of Defence confirmed last night.

Anthony Makin, 21, is believed to be only the second amputee in the country to return to frontline service.

The soldier, from Benwell, Newcastle, suffered horrific injuries when a blast tore through his convoy in southern Helmand Province, shortly after Christmas in 2006.

A 6in shard of shrapnel pierced his right foot in the explosion, and his left thigh was shattered.

Doctors were forced to amputate his right leg below the knee, and he was fitted with a prosthetic limb and sent for an intensive rehabilitation programme at the Ministry of Defence's Headley Court centre, in Surrey.

He has now returned to 3 Commando Brigade of 29 Commando Royal Artillery, with a promotion to lance bombadier, and he expects to serve with his regiment on its next tour of duty, in October.

Lance Bombadier Makin has completed a gruelling seven-week outdoor survival course in the jungles of Belize.

He said: ''It's been tough, but I got there in the end. I've had final medical checks and I'm basically just as fit as any other soldier now."

He said he was determined to return to the war zone, in part to avenge the death of fellow soldier L ance Bombadier James Dwyer, 22, who was killed after taking the full force of the explosion when their vehicle drove over an anti-tank mine on December 27, 2006.

Lance Bombadier Makin said: "I can't wait to get back out there, and get among the action again. I'm back to tip-top fitness."

He will serve alongside his brother, Paul, 20, who is training with the same regiment.

Defence Secretary Des Browne praised the soldier's determination to return to the front line.

''Lance Bombadier Makin is a fine example of the bravery and selfless commitment the British Armed Forces demonstrate daily,'' he said.

Earlier this year, Corporal Stuart Hale, from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, returned to active service wearing a camouflage prosthesis, less than two years after his leg was blown off by a landmine in Helmand Province.

in one of the most notorious incidents of the war in Afghanistan.