A British grandfather with no military experience has journeyed to the Middle East to take up arms against Islamic State (IS).

Jim Atherton, 53, from northern English town Tyne and Wear, defied desperate calls from his family and British authorities to return home.

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Instead, he chose to fight in Iraq with front-line Christian militia Dwekh Nawsha (‘The Sacrificers’), who protect vulnerable Christian communities from attack.

The father-of-three travelled to the war zone in April because “no one seemed to be doing anything” about the terrorist group, he told The Sun.

Mr Atherton fights with a group who protect Christian communities from terrorist group IS. Photo: Facebook/Jim Atherton

“I couldn’t stand seeing IS killing women and kids. No one seemed to be doing anything about it, so I decided I would,” Mr Atherton said.

“People were commenting online about IS atrocities then five minutes later it was all forgotten.

“I’m not a young bloke, I had a heart attack in 2007. But it’s something I felt I had to do. I wanted my grandkids to know what I’m really about.”

Mr Atherton previously worked as a professional driver and reportedly spent his spare time caring for rescued sausage dogs.

He was so passionate about the fight against IS he raised almost $38,000 for his travel and weapons by selling his car, a boat, two motorbikes and car parts.

He said he went over to Iraq with around $6,500 worth of weaponry and armour, including a pistol, machine gun and grenades.

Mr Atherton is a son of a soldier whose brother died fighting in Afghanistan for the British army. He has already come under attack himself.

He was targeted by rocket and mortar shells but says he returned fire himself and is “prepared to die fighting IS”.

“I’ve never stood so tall and felt so proud of myself,” he said.