A MAN who was inspired to join the Army by his grandfather is set to take on the Taliban.

Holmfirth lad Steven Briddon, 28, is set to deploy to Helmand in Afghanistan to work in the troubled Helmand province.

He has been on exercise in Kenya with the infantry preparing to deploy with the Royal Military Police for the next six months.

And he will be right on the frontline. The unit he deploys with will be embedded with the infantry in remote forward operating bases all over Helmand province.

Cpl Briddon will be advising his commanders on detaining insurgents, collecting evidence and in providing security to the local population.

He said he was most looking forward to helping make Afghanistan more secure.

“I volunteered to go to Afghanistan. I asked for this posting so I could deploy, I just want to get out there and start to make a difference.”

Cpl Briddon joined the Army in 2007 after being inspired by his grandfather who served in World War 2. This is his first tour of duty and will be the first time he has experienced an operational theatre.

An Army spokesman said: “The training has been long and tough but Steve has really proved his mettle by completing harsh physical tests, live firing exercises and specialist operational police training.

“He will have just two weeks rest and recuperation over his six-month tour and is already planning his leave at the end of his time in Afghanistan”.

Cpl Briddon said: “I will keep in my mind that I will return to normal life, and I will want to sink a few pints in my local, the Carnecia bar in Holmfirth when I get back.

“I just want everyone to come home safe, It’s hard with all the improvised explosive devices the enemy use, you just can’t fight them conventionally.

“It’s a cowardly way for the enemy to fight, but we train to be even more clever than they are”.