Last week Lance Corporal Martin Harrington was driving Nato officials around the streets of Kabul in armour-plated vehicles.

Now he faces the harrowing prospect of going on manoeuvres around the mean streets of Sutton in his civilian role as a driving instructor.

On Saturday L Cpl Harrington, 39, returned home from a six-month tour of Afghanistan with 151 Transport Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps.

The Territorial Army (TA) soldier was given a rapturous reception by family and friends, who draped yellow banners throughout his North Cheam neighbourhood.

Most were simply relieved that L Cpl Harrington had escaped the persistent threat of roadside bombs and suicide attackers.

He told the Sutton Guardian: "The biggest threat was car crashes. You couldn't afford to stop for a moment or you would be targeted.

"It was amazing to see the way people live out there in modern times: sheep were stuffed into the backs of cars and lorries would drive along with wheels missing.

"It's been difficult adjusting since. I am going to continue as a driving instructor and see if it still holds the same appeal after everything I've experienced."

L Cpl Harrington was mobilized with 53 TA recruits in June, to provide transport and protection for the multinational International Security Assistance Force.

After learning the arbitrary Afghan Highway Code, he was deployed in four-man driver teams that conveyed journalists and VIPs around Kabul.

During the tour he was also addressed by David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, and US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.

Returning troops will officially be welcomed home to London during a medal parade at City Hall hosted by Ken Livingstone on March 5.