A TERRITORIAL Army medic who has just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, was a guest of honour at Bexley Council’s civic reception.

Captain Sean Wardle , 45, from Bexleyheath, was among four TA members of 265 (Kent and City Yeomanry) Signal Squadron (Sharpshooters) invited by Bexley’s outgoing mayor, Bernard Clewes.

Mr Wardle, a nurse at Woolwich’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital in civilian life, spent six months in Helmand Province with the Grenadier Guards.

Speaking about his experiences he said: “When I arrived at Lash Gahkar, in my first 48 hours we had 38 casualties through the door.”

Colleagues Staff Sergeant Kevin Young, 50, from Sussex and Lance Corporal Jim Sutton, 26, from Hextable, joined Mr Wardle, as well as Corporal Brett Harries, 34, from Erith, who was presented with the Commander British Forces commendation.