BROTHERS in arms Peter and David Cook are about to set off “on the double” for a tour of Afghanistan.The 19-year-old twins, from Dandalan Close, Ipswich, are flying out on the same plane bound for Kandahar at the beginning of June where they will be serving together in the army's 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

BROTHERS in arms Peter and David Cook are about to set off “on the double” for a tour of Afghanistan.

The 19-year-old twins, from Dandalan Close, Ipswich, are flying out on the same plane bound for Kandahar at the beginning of June where they will be serving together in the army's 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

Peter, who was born two minutes before his brother, will start his six month tour in Kandahar, while David will travel west to the country's main British military base, Camp Bastion.

And while it will be a concern for their parents Ian and Jackie and their sister Catherine, their family couldn't be more proud of the pair.

Mum Jackie puts the twins' desire to both join the forces down to their competitive streaks.

She said: “There has always been quite a bit of competition between them. Both are keen on football and running.

“Obviously I'm concerned for them but this is what they want to do and I'm proud of them.

“Everyone hopes they will come back safe and I'm sure they will.”

Both of the young soldiers attended Westbourne High and were in the cadets until Peter went to the army foundation college in Harrogate.

David stayed at Westbourne for sixth form before training in Winchester and joining the army two years after his brother.

When volunteers were needed to join Peter's squadron in Afghanistan, his younger sibling had no hesitation in putting his name forward.

David said: “I volunteered to join his regiment so I could keep an eye on him. We can't wait to get over there and we'll welcome all the support from our friends and family back home.

“Things are going in the right direction in Afghanistan. The elections are approaching, so overseeing them will be one of our main concerns.”

The brothers, who will celebrate their 20th birthdays in Afghanistan on July 19, are can't wait to fly out to join their regiment.

Peter said: “We're both looking forward to getting on the plane to Kandahar.

“This is what we have always wanted to do but I don't think our parents expected us to go at the same time.

“There are lots of ways for us to keep in touch with each other while we're there. We not allowed to have phones but can make contact over the internet.”

n. Do you have a message of support for the family or do you have several family members serving their country at the same time? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk