The father and son from Grangemouth are both serving in the notorious Helmand Province – Kenneth senior (40) with the Argylls and Kenneth junior (18) with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

Lance Corporal Hynds and his trooper son are both on their first operational deployment to Afghanistan and are both operating within Task Force Helmand.

Kenneth snr said: "Working here is very demanding due to the heat and long hours.

''Having my son here adds to the pressure, but I think that is only natural. He is well trained and extremely capable and can look after himself.

''He will be busy coming and going from camp so I will see him every now and then, which is fantastic.

"Clearly I worry about him every time he goes out of the base, but it is the job he has chosen and I support him fully.

''Fathers and sons bond together for life, but being on an operational tour together strengthens that bond even more.

"I am also very proud of my daughter Jade for doing so well during her selection into the Army where she will be joining the Dental Corps."

Kenneth senior signed up for the Argylls in 1985 and served for eight years before returning to civilian life.

He joined the Territorial Army in 2002 before returning to The Argylls again.

He has served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and the Falkland Islands, but this is his son's first tour of duty.

"Working with dad close by has its advantages," said Kenneth jnr.

"He gives me good advice, we have a chat and I even ask him for a few dollars every now and then – after all that is what dads are for.

"We have been training for a long time and I am glad to finally be here with the rest of my mates.

''I keep in touch with my family back home by phone and e-mail and it is always nice to receive parcels from home.

"I really do miss my sister and grandparents very much.

''I will see them soon when I get my R&R, and can't wait to go for a pint with my dad."

Both soldiers gave their love to family back in Grangemouth, including Kenneth jnrs' grandparents Elizabeth and William.