The 23-year-old former Paratrooper returns to the town for what promises to be a fun-packed festive fortnight as he continues his remarkable recovery from the horrific war injuries which changed his life.

And his upbeat mum Diane Dernie, of Wheatley Hills, can hardly wait to get the party started.

"We're just so excited to get him home," she said. "All his friends are coming to see him - his rugby friends, school friends, army friends.

"We'll try and cram in as much as possible. We'll have a large family Christmas, we've got fireworks for New Year and we just want to make it as special as we can for him."

Local boy Ben, who lost both of his legs and suffered more than 30 serious injuries in Afghanistan, continues his rehabilitation at the Headley Court Centre in Surrey where, his mum revealed, he is expected to remain for the majority of 2008.

But that is not a reflection on the huge progress Ben has made since the shocking landmine blast in September last year.

"His upper body strength is just phenomenal," said Diane. "He's lifting huge amounts - more than any of the other lads.

"The walking is going to be slower but he's learning to balance since his kneelers were fitted. The big thing is, he's now entirely independent in his chair. He takes himself off to the shop - and he can get in and out of bed himself.

"He's in really good spirits and he can't wait to come home."

The Free Press, who teamed up with Hatfield car dealership firm F.Cross & Son Kia Ltd, launched 'Help Brave Ben' earlier this year to give the people of Doncaster a chance to do their bit for Ben - and make life a little bit easier for him and his family by presenting them with a fully-modified Kia Sedona people carrier.

And the fundraising continues to motor along.

Mrs Dernie was only this week informed that Ben's former colleagues in the 7th Parachute Regiment, based in Norfolk, have raised more than £900 for our campaign.

While Doncaster Rugby Club, where Ben was a junior player, has decided to share the proceeds of the Dragons' traditional Boxing Day friendly against Eugene's XV (Castle Park, midday) between regular charity Bluebell Wood and 'Help Brave Ben'.

Anyone arranging a fundraising event for Ben should contact us (01302) 347260 for publicity.

n To make a donation to the Benjamin James Parkinson Trust visit the Doncaster branch of Yorkshire Bank on St Sepulchre Gate.

Cheques can be made payable to 'Ben Parkinson' or 'Ben Parkinson Trust'. Cheques can be sent to PO Box 17, 19 St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN1 1SJ.

If you have a fundraiser planned you can call the Free Press for pictures and publicity on (01302) 347260