A COMBAT medic from Gwent was presented with his operational medal after returning from a six-month tour of Afghanistan.

Private Brian Toghill, 25, helped civilian and military injuries while deployed to the country with 1 Medical Regiment.

Mr Toghill joined the Army in 2006 and served in Iraq in 2009. In Afghanistan he provided medical training to soldiers and Afghan Army medics, as well as medical care to military personnel and local Afghans.

Medics were often based at forward operating bases around Helmand Province, living and working with fighting units and going with them on patrols with members of the Afghan National Army.

Mr Toghill was a patrol medic, working with between eight and fourteen soldiers and based at three different check points.

He said he had to make sure everyone kept themselves healthy: "I also dealt with civilian casualties providing critical care but fortunately they all recovered fine. I dealt with a broken ankle caused by an Improvised Explosive Device as well as a gunshot would to an officer's lower leg."

The medals parade took place at the regiment's camp in Munster, North Germany, and was watched by the families of the soliders.

Mr Toghill said: "I'm glad to be back, it was hard work but it was a good tour. It was a proud moment receiving my medal. I am looking forward to spending some time with my family during my leave."