Dalbeattie soldier brings Christmas cheer to the front line

Jan 3 2013 by Patricia Lewis, Galloway News

A Dalbeattie serviceman got to play Father Christmas when he took delivery of parcels for service personnel in Afghanistan.

Corporal Ian Cochrane helped deliver more than 400 parcels to British soldiers who were in the war-torn country on December 25.

It was a change of pace for the 33-year-old, who serves with the Royal Air Force.

Ian, who is in charge of freights and despatch, usually covers everything from nuts and bolts to generators at Kandahar Air Base in eastern Afghanistan.

Besides his busy job supporting the reconnaissance and ground support Tornados of IX(B) Squadron, he also finds time to work with the local children.

He coaches them in football and cricket, as well as helping to teach them English.

Ian said: "Christmas Day was just another day here.

"We are all here to support the operations and it doesn't stop for Christmas."