SOLDIER Ben Lake has married his childhood sweetheart after returning from a six-month tour in Afghanistan.

The Lance Corporal, who serves with the Royal Anglian's first battalion, missed his girlfriend Denise Martin so much he decided to propose on his return.

The couple have known each other for about 15 years. They first met when Denise lived in Mendip Crescent, Westcliff, across the road from Mr Lake's aunt.

He told how hard he found it only being able to communicate with her, and his 16-month-old daughter Rebekah, once a week by webcam.

Ben, 22, said: "When I left Rebekah was just sitting up and when I came back she was crawling, feeding herself, and saying a few words, like mum and dad. It's really really weird." Ben, who went to Thorpe Bay School, served on the frontline in the Helmand Province, first in Kajaki and then in Inkerman.

He is set to return to either Iraq or Afghanistan later this year and is currently working at Perbright in Surrey, teaching soldiers to drive a new vehicle called a Bulldog.

He said: "Obviously, there were a few times I thought what am I doing here' when the bullets were flying. But you're with your friends. You live together and you're fighting together. It's just a good feeling when you and your mates are helping each other."

He said the main thing he missed was his family - as well as decent food and a shower.

But he knew it was especially hard for Denise, 22, as she waited at home in Boscombe Road, Southend.

He said: "When I'm away she's a single parent. She's having to do everything - all the jobs I would have done while I was there. It's quite stressful, but the family all help out, and they are always there for her."

Ben decided to propose when he returned in October. The couple were married at St Peter's Church, Eastbourne Grove, Westcliff, on Saturday. They are now planning their honeymoon in the Caribbean.

He said: "While I was in Afghanistan, Denise was living at my parents' house. I was saving up money while I was there.

"I said to myself once I got back we'll get our own place and I'll propose. I decided to wait until Christmas to make it a bit more special.

"I'm not very good at romantic stuff so one of her presents was a dressing gown with the ring inside, When she opened it she looked a bit disappointed, so I said make sure you check the pockets' and she found the ring. There were a lot of tears."