SOLDIER Andrew Wilce is in a desperate race to get home from Afghanistan in time for a family wedding at noon today.

The sergeant in the Royal Engineers is one of about 1,000 heroes trapped in Afghanistan by problems with the planes and heavy snow.

Ageing RAF Tri-Star planes have been blamed for numerous mechanical breakdowns which have left troops unable to fly home for Christmas.

This has been compounded by snow closing Brize Norton airport.

Yesterday MP Mark Harper contacted Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey to see what is being done after being told of the Mitcheldean family's plight.

Former Dene Magna pupil Andrew, 27, was originally due back on Sunday but the flight was cancelled at the last minute.

Since then relatives have been given different times and airports, but have been disappointed at each turn.

The Army has said it will try to get him on a plane due to leave yesterday and the family are pinning their hopes on him making it on time for the big day.

Cinderford-based dad Adrian Wilce, who has borrowed a 4x4 and is on standby to pick him up from any airport in the country at any time, is furious about reports that the system is "meltdown".

According to some sources the troops are stranded because the TriStars bought from British Airways in 1998 are too old to cope.

Mr Wilce, son of former Cinderford mayor Lloyd Wilce, said: "Apparently it's because the planes are a load of old rubbish – which is another example of why the Americans call them the rag and bone men.

"Whatever happens, they need to do something to get the troops back over here for Christmas.

"My son is a career soldier. That is what he wants to do so you will not hear him complaining. But the family will be really sad if he misses the wedding."

Andrew, who signed up eight years ago and has just been promoted to Sergeant, is serving in Afghanistan with the Household Cavalry Regiment.

The family is desperate for him to see sister Claire marry long-term boyfriend Max Benrose from Newent at midday today.

The couple are believed to have hastily arranged the wedding after learning a few weeks ago that Andrew would be one of the lucky few allowed home for two weeks.

Proud dad Adrian is still keeping his fingers crossed that the former Valley Road army cadet will make the big day.

"When he was a kid he seemed to have some sixth sense about food and always turned up just as a meal was about to be put on the table," he said.

"We can only hope that this means he will at least make it back in time for the reception."