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A ROYAL Marine killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on Sunday has been hailed a hero by his family.

David Marsh, 23, originally from Thurgoland, died when the patrol car he was in was blown up in the Helmand Province.

Young dad David, a former Penistone Grammar School student, had recently moved to Taunton, Somerset with his wife Claire. They have a daughter Molly.

Claire said: "David was a loving and dedicated family man. He went through life with a smile on his face, which will continue through our beautiful daughter. The Royal Marines was his passion and love, he will always be our hero."

David, known as Dave to friends, joined the marines in September 2002 and was serving in Kajaki in the Northern Helmand Province with Charlie Company, 40 Commando.

He joined the unit as an anti-tank specialist in December 2006 and was almost at the end of his tour and was due to return home in the next few weeks.

His parents Maxine and Gary and sister Katie still live in Huthwaite Lane, Thurgoland.