A WEYMOUTH airman will be leaving family and loved ones behind to return to Afghanistan for the third time.

Senior Aircraftman Graham Darkins, 25, from Weymouth, is set to deploy to Afghanistan for the third time in the New Year.

The former All Saints schoolboy became a member of the 1606 Weymouth Squadron Air Cadets before fulfilling a children dream and joining the RAF aged 18.

He enrolled into the logistic trade as supplier, and after completing his basic training at RAF Halton in Buckingham-shire, Graham was posted to Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

There he carried out two operational tours – to the Falklands and then Qatar.

Early next year Graham will deploy to Afghanistan for the third time and said the hardest part is leaving family behind.

He said: “Going away on operational tour is never easy.

“Leaving family and loved ones behind can be a difficult and stressful experience, however, it is made easier by the welfare support provided by the station.”

Graham is currently based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire with his wife Julie and young daughter Caoimhe.

RAF Benson is an extremely busy station which directly supports operations in Afghanistan and is home to the Merlin and Puma Helicopters. Working within the Logistic Squadron, Graham is responsible for providing vital aircraft spares to the Puma Helicopter Fleet whilst undergoing minor and major maintenance.

Speaking about his job, he said: “The job is extremely rewarding and fulfilling – it’s pleasing to know my input contributes and influences servicing to these aircraft, allowing for a timely return to squadrons or on to operational tasking.”