A SOLDIER who found an abandoned puppy while on foot patrol in Afghanistan has launched a campaign to bring him back to his home in Walthamstow.

Royal Marine Alex Mutch, 32, and his colleagues have adopted the animal and named him Dave in memory of his fellow fighter and friend David Hart, who was killed in an explosion in July - just a day before his 24th birthday.

The dog, who is two months old, was found with both his ears cut off.

Speaking from his base in Sangin district, Marine Mutch, of 40 Commando's, said: "I saw the pup being teased by a group of locals. It was terrified and they were hurting it. I managed to get it off by trading them a packet of mini flares.

“When I first got Dave he would bite and hide behind bits of wood, but after just two days he was happy running around and wagging his tail.

“He is now like one of us, we take good care of him.”

However Marine Mutch is expecting his tour of duty to end in September, and wants to bring his new pet pooch back to a better life in Waltham Forest.

With the help of charity Nowzad Dogs, which was set up by an Afghan veteran to help stray animals in the country, Marine Mutch now has a race against time to raise £2,500 needed to bring Dave home, including travel costs, veterinary checks, fees and six months quarantine.

A Facebook fan site in Dave's honour has already gained more than 240 supporters and nearly £800 has been raised already.

His mother, Vera Mutch, of Prospect Hill, Walthamstow, said: “Alex has lost quite a few friends out there and it's been hard for him, so I think he's really liked having Dave as company.

“It's amazing how many people have been supportive and offered to donate already, it's really good.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/dave-the-dog to donate.

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