An Abingdon-based soldier who is facing a court martial for refusing to fight in Afghanistan is to lead an anti-war march in London today.

Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, who is facing court martial for refusing to return to Afghanistan, will become one of the first serving soldiers to attend an anti-war demonstration since the invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001.

The 27-year-old, of 4 Logistic Support Regiment, the Royal Logistic Corps based at Dalton Barracks, has landed himself in a military court for alleged desertion.

Today thousands of protesters are expected to urge the Government to bring British troops home from Afghanistan today.

L/Cpl Glenton will join former colleagues, military families and anti-war protesters for a rally and march through central London calling for British troops to be brought home.

L/Cpl Glenton said: "I am marching to send a message to Gordon Brown. Instead of sending more troops, he must bring them all home. He cannot sit on his hands and wait while more and more of my comrades are killed."

The soldier is still due to be charged with desertion at a court martial on November 2.

However, last month two charges of bringing the army into disrepute by criticising the war in Afghanistan in the media were dropped at a tribunal.

A total of 222 British troops have died since operations in Afghanistan began.