A LITTLE boy who was pictured hugging his dad who'd returned from Afghanistan a decade ago is following in his father's foosteps.

In February 2011, hunderds of people descended on the Lucknow Barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire, for the homecoming of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Welsh, following a seven-month tour.

This included Leo Tracey, then aged 21 months, and his mum Lucy who had an emotional reunion with father and fiancee Liam Tracey.

10 years on and Leo's not so little anymore - now aged 12 he is a member of the RAF Cadets and is looking forward to his first Remembrance parade this Sunday (November 14).

South Wales Argus:

His mum, Lucy, has kept newspaper clippings and the mini uniform Leo wore when reunited with his father a decade ago.

South Wales Argus:

She said: "Leo is very intelligent, and the RAF is complicated, so he is naturally into that, but he also follows his dad and has his mannerisms.

“Sunday will be his first ever march; it's the first time he has done anything like this and he’s nervous, but excited. He’ll be the youngest cadet there.

"When I saw him in his uniform I cried - he looks just like his dad an it took me back. Me and his dad are really proud of him.”

Leo will be taking part in Risca’s Remembrance Sunday parade on November 14 – an extra significant one this year as 2021 marks Royal British Legion’s centenary year.

South Wales Argus:

People will assemble on Rifleman Street in Risca at 10am, with the march to the Cenotaph from 10.35am and a service from 10.50am.