Ex-Coldstream guard Lance Reah fought a long campaign so that soldiers can use their military ID as proof of age in pubs and bars.

The 2011 change in policy from the Ministry of Defence was welcomed at the time as a huge boost in morale for the troops.

So it is disheartening to know that four years later, not all licensed premises are aware of it or acting on it.

Our troops are prepared to lay their lives on the line for their countries – it is absurd to deny them a pint on their return.