AN Accrington lad has been helping maintain order during Northern Ireland's marching season.

Private Jason Elhasham, 21, is among soldiers from the 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, supporting the work of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).

'Jay,' as he likes to be known, joined the Amy in March 2000 and could have been sent anywhere in the world for his role.

Before that, he had not been outside of Lancashire.

But for the moment, the ex-Moorhead High School pupil continues to be deployed in the province after spending the previous six months there.

A former Accrington Stanley Reserves player, Jay is still involved in a number of sports while off duty.

He has also worked to enforce a ban on the Orange Order's annual 'Drumcree Parade' from passing through Garvaghy Road, Portadown, on July 8 and works hard to contain violence, protect lives.

His father, Solomon Elhasham, of Devonshire Street, said: "I am very proud of him.

"There are a lot of opportunities for young people if they want them and try for them. "

Jay's younger brother Thomas, 17, also of Devonshire Street, is set to follow his example and join up at the end of this month.