THE family of a South Devon soldier killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan have described him as their 'hero'.

Corporal Stephen Thompson (pictured), 31, from 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 Rifles) died on Sunday as a result of an explosion in the Sangin district of Helmand province.

He was a former pupil at Chudleigh Knighton Primary School and Teign School who spent 13 years in the armed forces.

He was also the father of a seven-year-old boy.

Speaking from the family home in Bovey Tracey, his mother, Carol, said he was an inspiration to his son, his father, Peter, brother, Philip and sisters, Clare and Helen.

She said: "He was a hero who achieved his dream of serving his country. To lose him is completely devastating.

"He was in the Army for a long time and served all over the world. It was his life really.

"He was last home at Christmas and for New Year. His plan was to stay in the Army. He had recently taken his sergeant exams and wanted to stay in and be promoted.

"An Army captain came to tell us the news on Sunday afternoon. It's been shattering."

Stephen was born in Billingham in Cleveland but moved with the family to Chudleigh Knighton when he was eight.

After attending the primary school he moved on to Teign School. The family later moved to Bovey Tracey.

"He was a popular boy, always active and ambitious," said Carol.

"A lot of people in the area will know him. He worked for a while at the House of Marbles and Cardew Pottery. He has a son who lives with his former partner in the North East.

"When he came home he would go out in Torquay quite a lot and Plymouth, living the single life."

She said the family was expecting his body home tomorrow.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed Cpl Thompson's death in a statement yesterday and said he volunteered for service in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 Rifles Battle Group said: "Corporal Thompson Joined A Company 3 Rifles in early February and was working with number 2 Platoon out of Patrol Base Almas in Sangin when he was tragically killed while on patrol by an improvised explosive device.

"In the short time he was with us, Corporal Thomson had made a lasting impact. His loss is another blow to this Battle Group and our nation but we shall continue his noble work undaunted. He will be sorely missed by those in 2 Platoon but also across the whole Battle Group. Our thoughts and prayers are with his son Ewan, his parents and his loved ones. We know that they will remember him as we do, with pride and nothing but admiration."

Teign School head teacher Vyv Game said: "Staff and students are deeply saddened to hear of the death in Afghanistan of Stephen Thompson.

"Stephen was a student at Teign School between 1989 and 1994. Staff who knew him described him as a popular and lively student.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Stephen at this very distressing time for them."