A soldier killed in a bomb blast in southern Afghanistan has been named by the Ministry of Defence.
Corporal Stephen Walker, of A Company 40 Commando Royal Marines, died on Friday morning following the explosion near Patrol Base Almas, in Sangin, Helmand Province.
His wife Leona paid tribute to the 42-year-old Northern Irishman as a "fantastic Dad" and a "perfect soul mate".
Cpl Walker died as he took part in a patrol alongside members of the Afghanistan National Army.
He originally joined the Royal Navy in 1986 before transferring to the Royal Marines in 1990.
During his 20 years with the Marines, he served in Northern Ireland, southern Turkey and Iraq before being sent to Afghanistan.
His company was responsible for providing security for the people of Sangin during his latest deployment.
Originally from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, he lived in Exmouth, Devon, with his wife Leona and their daughter Greer. He also leaves behind a son, Samuel.
His widow said today: "Steve was passionate, loyal and determined. He enjoyed the role he had in the Marines but he was a family man at heart.
"He was a fantastic Dad to Greer and he was the perfect soul mate to me."
