Bognor girl talks about her time as an Army medic in Afghanistan

After seven months spent bravely serving her country, the 22-year-old had to wait 48 hours longer than expected for her much-anticipated return to the UK when her flight from Helmand province to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire was delayed.

But despite the minor hitch, Lance Corporal Elsden was back at her mum Deborah Fenn's house in Addison Way, North Bersted this week '“ and for a little while could go back to being just Amy again.

"We are all really proud of her," said Deborah.

"I'm really pleased she's back safe and sound.

"I think the first time she went out to Afghanistan was far worse, not knowing what was happening.

"If you thought about it too much it would get you really down, and I don't think I would be able to cope."

Along with mum, also waiting for a big hug were boyfriend Carl Bird, 24, and Pickle, Amy's ten-year-old Jack Russell.

A big family party to celebrate Amy's safe return was held on Saturday night, and now she will be taking two-and-a-half months' leave.

This will give her time to acquaint herself with her and Carl's new flat in Bognor Regis, which the couple of five years bought in August.

Carl said: "I'm definitely glad to have her back.

"The communication is quite good out there, but we were constantly looking on the news."

Amy added: "I was topping up my phone so I was able to ring home pretty much every day.

"I was quite lucky because every patrol base I went to had the internet, even though it was slow. If you are in the compounds there are always the welfare phones most of the time."

Now she is back, Amy had clear plans for her hard-earned leave: "I want to go on holiday and sort out our new flat. I can't wait."

Deborah said: "While she was away the flat came through but it took about ten months '“ it must have been the longest sale in history.

"It all happened in August so she's got stuff here, there and in Aldershot."

Carl added: "I moved in during August and have been getting it ready."

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