A SOUTHAMPTON man has been deployed to Afghanistan with the task of keeping both troops and vehicles fighting fit.

Corporal Oliver Devlin, a 25-year-old former pupil of Upper Shirley High School, is on his second deployment to Helmand Province, where his main role is maintenance of Protected Mobility (PM) vehicles.

This involves overseeing the repair of vehicles – while also taking up a role as fitness instructor, ensuring his soldiers stay in tip top condition.

PM vehicles are used to support the Afghan Army and Police during ‘transition’ – the handover period between British and Afghan troops.

When he is not busy fixing vehicles, Corporal Devlin, who is attached to 6 Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, is a senior physical training instructor.

It is his task to ensure that the men and women within the battalion are kept fit with challenging and demanding fitness sessions throughout their tour.

Corporal Devlin will return to the UK at the end of his tour in October.

Speaking about what he misses most, he said: “I’m looking forward very much to getting home to my family, friends and my partner Angela, who I’m planning to go on holiday with.”