A FORMER Army Major has swapped dodging bombs and bullets on the frontline in Afghanistan for a new role with a North-East waste company.

Kevin Smith has been taken on as procurement manager by Yorwaste, which has a base in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, and operates services across North Yorkshire and Teesside.

Mr Smith, 39, spent his entire career in the Army after joining straight from university in 1995, and his new job will see him manage contracts and work on improving the company's supply chain.

The father-of-two, who lives near York, once commanded 150 soldiers in battle, and said he was looking forward to his new challenge.

He said: “This is my first job out of the Army but before I left in December, I worked in the Army’s procurement division which gave me an insight into sourcing supplies and services and ensuring you receive value for money.

“It is a big difference going from being shot at in battle to working for a company like Yorwaste, but I am really looking forward to my new role and learning about the waste management industry.”