A GRANDFATHER is back in uniform and serving in Afghanistan, 29 years after he left the RAF.

Jim ‘Izzy’ Izzard trained as a mechanic working on attack jets when he was a teenager but left the RAF as a 21-year-old to launch his own electrical firm in Oxfordshire.

But last year, as he approached his 50th birthday, he decided he wanted to return to duty and do his bit with British forces in the Central Asian country.

Mr Izzard, from Letcombe Bassett, near Wantage, was inspired to come out of his retirement from the ranks after his son Adam, 21, joined the Royal Marines last year.

Mr Izzard became a reservist with RAF Benson’s 606 (Chiltern) Squadron and is now on a tour of duty at the British base at Camp Bastion, near Lashkar Gah, in Helmand province, refuelling helicopters which transport troops and equipment.

Senior Aircraftman Izzard said: “I decided it was time for one last innings.

“I want to get fuel into these helicopters as fast as possible, so they help support brave lads like my son.”

He added:“To be honest, I would love to join up properly but I have to face the fact that I’m probably a bit long in the tooth now.”

Mr Izzard was a mechanic on Jaguar attack jets at RAF Lossiemouth, in Scotland, in the early 1980s.

His wife Lorna said she was proud of her husband’s incredible gesture.

She said: “It’s just typical Jim. He knew he had to sign up before his 50th birthday and decided he wanted to get back out there and do his bit.

“Most people begin to slow down when they hit 50, but not Jim.

“It’s probably a slight mid-life crisis, although one I’m very proud that he’s having.”

Mr Izzard was on duty over Christmas and the New Year but is due to return home in mid-March.

Mrs Izzard said it was sometimes difficult to be separated from her husband of 10 years.

She added: “Wives and partners of service personnel really do have it quite hard, because they’re expected to stay at home and keep everything ticking over.

“But that’s just the way it is and you have to keep going.

“We’re all so proud of what he’s doing and will do everything we can to support him.

“He really is incredibly brave and dedicated and is doing something he believes in.”

Squadron Leader Gary Lane, the commanding officer of 606 Squadron, said: “We’re all extremely proud of Jim.

“Since joining 606 Squadron he has been eager to deploy in support of operations and I’m pleased he has had the opportunity. In our 15th anniversary year, it’s really positive for us to have someone as strong and outgoing as Jim representing us.”