MARINE Commando David O'Sullivan brought forward his wedding day – so he can leave for Afghanistan tomorrow as a married man.

The 23-year-old tied the knot with fellow soldier Tracey Mountford at Hanley Register Office on Saturday afternoon just four weeks after setting the date.

But David, of Abbey Hulton, has had to delay his honeymoon for his tour of duty taking on the Taliban.

The former Moorside High School pupil said: "We didn't plan to get married this soon but with me being posted out there we thought it would be good to have the wedding before I left.

"Of course I'm a bit nervous about going but I'm also looking forward to a bit of action. We've been well trained for whatever lies ahead and I couldn't wish for a better set of lads to be going with.

"When you sign up for the forces now it's pretty obvious you will find yourself in Afghanistan sooner or later so you've just got to do your duty and get on with it."

David, of Blakelow Road, met 18-year-old Tracey, who was living at Cliveden Road, Bucknall, two years ago at an ex-servicemen's club.

Tracey is a private with the Adjutant General's Corps, which provides human resources support to the Army, and expects to go to Afghanistan next year. Tracey, who is going to Germany next month, said: "I'm devastated Dave is going to Afghanistan and we wanted to get married first. It'll be a long six months for both of us."

David and Tracey, who had their reception at Stoke Sports and Social Club on Saturday night, are planning a honeymoon in America later this year.

David's mum Kathleen, aged 43, said: "It was all a bit sudden but he said he wanted the wedding before he went to Afghanistan as it would be something special to hold on to while he is over there. They are a lovely couple and I'm so proud of him. He loves his green beret but from a mum's point of view it doesn't bear thinking about what could happen to him in the next six months."

"I'll be trying to avoid watching the news just in case until he gets back."

Kathleen and builder husband John have four other children, with the youngest son, Jack, aged 16, also wanting to join the Marines.