Soldier takes friend's place on tour of Afghanistan so he can get married

But then duty called for soldier Scott McNamee and it looked as though he was going to miss his big day due to a tour in Afghanistan.

That is until comrade Paul Wheatman, who has 21 years service, stepped forward to take the 24-year-old's place.

Thanks to Paul's selfless offer, Scott married his sweetheart of four years Angela Lewis at Oakley Country Club in Brewood last weekend.

Scott, who attended St Edmunds Catholic School in Compton Park, Wolverhampton, is a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and said the only thing that would have made the day better was for his comrades to be there.

Mr McNamee, of Aldersley, Tettenhall, said: "I was meant to be in Afghanistan today. I told them I was getting married and asked if there was any chance I didn't have to go but they said no I had to.

"Then Paul Wheatman volunteered to go in my place. I can't thank him enough."

Scott's parents Alex and Chris said they were overwhelmed by the kindness.

Mrs McNamee, aged 48 who works as a secretary at The Giffard Catholic Primary School, in Newbridge, said: "Paul is an absolute hero, he really is a lovely man and deserves an extra-large slice of wedding cake.

"Joining the Army is what Scott always wanted to do and he was in Iraq when he was just 18. It would be lovely to have all the lads here but we are more than happy with our one soldier."

Scott and Angela met in Cornwall four and a half years ago at her best friend's wedding.

Scott said: "I wanted a really big wedding with them all here in uniform and a guard of honour. But this is what Army life is like, you have this duty and it's what you sign up for.

"I have mixed emotions. On one hand I want to be out there with my regiment as I do miss the lads. But on the other hand, this is the most important day of my life."

He is set to head out to Afghanistan in June.