WOUNDED soldier Matt Light is back at home – and anxious to get back to the front line.

Pte Light, 19, is recuperating at his Kirklees home after being wounded in a Taliban bomb attack in Afghanistan.

But as well as the physical injuries he suffered, he has also had to endure the tragic loss of one of his best pals.

Fellow soldier John King, also 19, was killed in the blast which rocked their patrol on December 30.

On Tuesday, Pte Light, travelled with his parents, Robert and Sharon Light, to Darlington to attend the funeral of Pte Knight.

About 500 family, friends and former colleagues gathered at St Cuthbert’s Church for the service.

“It was a very emotional day for everyone, but especially for Matt”, said his father, Robert, who is a councillor with Kirklees Council.

“He was very close to John and felt his death very badly.

“There were a few others from the regiment at the funeral but obviously most of the lads are still on the frontline back in Afghanistan.

“Matt has said he wants to get back to his regiment as soon as he can.

“He wants to return to duty as soon as he can, once he is back to full fitness from his injuries.