VALE MP Alun Cairns met members of the Queen's Dragoon Guards at a special event in Parliament last week - including one Barry resident who had been serving in Afghanistan.

The MP met Josh Petre at the reception, and heard how the Barry serviceman had just completed a tour in Afghanistan as part of 20 Armoured Brigade.

Josh and his comrades were invited to Westminster as part of a homecoming parade after their recent tour of duty, Op HERRICK 15.

1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards is one of only three Welsh regiments, one of the oldest associated with Wales, and with strong associations with the Vale.

Also known as The Welsh Cavalry, the Regiment is regarded as the most senior British frontline force.

Mr Cairns said: "It was a real privilege to meet the 20 Armoured Brigade members on their safe return from an extremely arduous tour.

"It was fantastic to be introduced to Josh - a local Barry boy!"

A week earlier, the Vale MP had organised an All-Party briefing and planning meeting for Welsh MPs on the latest position of the 1st Queen's Dragoon Guards and the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh, amid concerns surrounding the future of the regiments.

Mr Cairns said: "I am keen to do all I can to support and secure the future of these regiments, and to ensure that the famous cap-badges will remain and be reflected in the future make up of the forces. "I'm enormously proud of our armed service men and women, and will do my utmost to make sure that their achievements and sacrifices are recognised."