WHEN Major Pete Collins went out to Iraq with the Army in 2004 his family were understandably concerned.

The Territorial Army soldier, from Horwich, served in the troubled country for eight months, leaving a worried son and daughter at home in Blighty.

But soon the boot will be on the other foot when Maj Collins’ son, Flying Officer Dave Collins, aged 26, heads to Afghanistan with the Royal Air Force.

The former Bolton School pupil, from Tonge Moor, got the chance to meet up with his dad in Cyprus last week when Maj Collins was putting Bolton soldiers, from 103 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers), through their paces.

Maj Collins, aged 52, who is a building surveyor, worked as a liaison officer for reservists in the forces in Iraq.

He said: “It was good to see David and to catch up with him.

“I’m very proud of him, but I will be even more proud when he serves his country in Afghanistan.

“I know he was worried about me when I was in Iraq, and I will be just as worried about him. But it is what we both signed up for. It was very rewarding for me to serve in Iraq.”

FO Collins, who is based at a ground satellite station in Episkopi, Cyprus, said: “My dad being in the TA played a big part in me wanting to join the forces. I’m very proud of the job he’s done for them over the years.

“It was nerve-wracking while he was out in Iraq and it was good to get him home.

“I suppose he will feel the same way when I go to Afghanistan.”

Maj Collins, whose daughter, Amy, aged 21, is at drama school in London, returned to Bolton from Cyprus last week.

steven.thompson@theboltonnews.co.uk