Tributes have been paid to a Plymouth born soldier killed in Afghanistan this week.

32 year old Corporal Mark Palin from 1st batallion the Rifles was killed by an improvised explosive device on Monday.

He leaves behind his wife Carla and young son Lennon - his family said in a statement that he was a devoted family man who adored his son and was so looking forward to the birth of his daughter.

In his tribute, commanding officer Lieutenant (left-enant) Colonel James de Labilliere (la-billy-air)  said he died leading from the front - he added that he would be remembered for his passion for his family, football and the army, as well as for the furnishings he made to make his patrol base more comfortable for the others.

HIs friend Corporal Wayne Fairnington said he would never be forgotten.