FOUR part-time soldiers from Preston are going to Afghanistan to support the war on terrorism.

The troops from the Lancastrian and Cumbrian Volunteers, based at the Kimberley Barracks, in Deepdale Road, have all volunteered to leave their families and jobs to take up the challenge.

And their mission? To protect Kabul airport -- the centre of the Americans' occupation of the country -- where the allies first landed following the attacks of September 11.

The Lancashire lads will be part of a 40-strong infantry contingency called on to ensure the safety of around 400 British troops including a squadron of Royal Engineers, for around three months, from September.

Private Stuart Garnett, of New Longton, has been in the Territorial Army for four years and is eager to put his military skills to the test.

He said: "I have just finished university, and I haven't got a full time job, so it's a great opportunity. It seemed silly not to go after doing all that training."

The 21-year-old keen sportsman will be joined by Private Jack Owens, a community support worker from Ashton.

Private Owens, 24, is not quite so confident.

He said: "There's a part of me that wants to go and a part that thinks, 'Oh no, I'm going to step on a landmine!'

"My family aren't very happy about it, but they understand why I want to go."

Also preparing their kit for the tour of duty will be Private Paul Tompson, 31, a charity worker from Tarleton, and Corporal 'Gillie' Gill, a scaffolder who lives in Blackpool, but attends the Preston TA centre.

Before they fly out, the terriers will have to endure special training to prepare them for their role. It includes a weekend of infantry skills training in Cumbria; two weeks mobilisation training at Chilwell, Nottinghamshire; and two days operational training at Lydd on the South Coast.

Once in Kabul they could face enemy fire, unexploded landmines and the threat from any remaining al-Qa'eda fugitives still in the area; that's in addition to all the hazards that go with living in the desert of central Asia.

Pte Garnett, who currently works as a pizza chef, has already served with the TA abroad, including exercises in Belgium and Switzerland, he even missed his university graduation this year, while he was on exercise in Cyprus.

He said: "I think my family are proud of me. They haven't said they're worried.

"I only know a handful of the lads going out but we'll soon get to know each other."

And their Commanding Officer was confident they would do the unit proud. Lieutenant Colonel Matt Perkins, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for a formed TA infantry unit to prove their value on operations with today's regular army.

"They are well trained and entirely capable of the hard tasks which lie ahead in Afghanistan.

"I'm delighted by their positive response to this challenge. We are also very pleased with the support that we have received from their employers."

A spokesman for the British army said it was an unusual mission for a group of TA soldiers.

He said: "It is extremely rare for a composite unit of infantry TA from one area to be sent to an operational theatre.

"Although many individuals and small groups of specialists like medics, drivers and signallers have been serving alongside their regular army colleagues on operations for many years."