Brothers in arms... that's injured Dunstable soldier Michael Owen and younger sibling Kris, who has also signed up to serve his country.

Lance Corporal Michael, 22, is fighting his way back to health after his left leg and right arm were shattered in an explosion in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

Trooper Kris, 19, of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, has just passed out from Bassingbourn and is now undergoing further training.

Their father John, 45, who also has two younger boys, Joseph, 13, and James, three, is so proud of his soldier sons that he told the Gazette he feels like 'shouting it from the rooftops'.

He believes that more support should be shown for the men and women serving their country.

John, a company director, said: "I think it's about time that we appreciated what these kids are doing. What they have done needs to be acknowledged. We have no doubt that Michael will be serving actively again for his country and we are very proud of that."

Michael was seriously injured in July, when an armoured vehicle in which he was travelling was caught up in the blast from an improvised explosive device.

Unable to walk at first, it took about three months before Michael was able to move around on crutches.

His family was overjoyed when he began to walk unaided, just before Christmas. Now he is set to undergo further operations on his injured arm.

The 16 Air Assault Brigade soldier, based at Colchester, attends a rehabilitation centre to help him in his fight back to health.

Michael joined the Army at 16, and Kris undertook a public services course at the former Dunstable College, now Central Beds College, before signing up last year.

John said: "I am absolutely delighted that they are doing what they think is right."