TRIBUTES have been paid to brave soldier Martin Lamb, known to many in Dursley as ‘Lamby’, who was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan on Sunday.

The former Rednock School student, who leaves behind wife Melissa and two-year-old daughter Rosie, was killed while supporting the local Afghans in the fight against insurgency in a dangerous area of Helmand province.

Rifleman Lamb has been described by colleagues as a "passionate soldier", energetic, bright and full of ambition.

Friend and fellow Dursley resident Lance Corporal Stuart Howell, who is currently serving in Afghanistan, praised his colleague for his dedication to his job and for helping him as a young soldier.

"Martin was the sort of man you could tell anything, I confided a lot in him and he would always have some sort of advice to give; even though he was young he had a lot of life experience. I will always remember him."

Born in Gloucester, Rifleman Lamb, 27, lived most of his life in Dursley and joined the army in September 2003 after leaving Rednock School.

During his Combat Infantryman's Course in Catterick, he won an award for his exceptional physical fitness.

In 2005 he was deployed to Afghanistan where he excelled as a rifleman. On his return, he passed the All Arms Commando Course before taking up post in the newly formed regiment of The Rifles.

A natural soldier, he was identified for promotion and served with distinction in the prestigious Reconnaissance Platoon of 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 Rifles).

Lieutenant Colonel James de la Billiére MBE, Commanding Officer of 1 Rifles, in charge at Nahr-e Saraj where Rifleman Lamb was killed by the IED, said: "Rifleman Lamb was one of my very best; talented, capable and naturally gifted as a most professional soldier.

"He and his patrol had made some extraordinary gains against a most resilient insurgency. His own personal contribution, courage and sacrifice will be forever remembered as the price paid for this significant success.

"But Lamby will also be remembered for his energy, zeal and commitment – he was a man with many friends and others naturally gravitated to him. He was one of life's real characters, and he was due to be promoted soon."

Captain Mike Tattersal, Officer Commanding Reconnaissance Platoon, 1 Rifles, added: "Lamby was a perfect example of a father, husband and rifleman. While at work he could not stop talking about his daughter Rosie and how proud he was to be a father."