Exmouth Marine's Body Brought Home

The body of an Exmouth soldier killed in Afganistan on Friday is being brought home to the UK today (Wednesday).

42 year old Marine Corporal Stephen Walker was part of a company responsible for providing security to the people of Sangin. He died in an explosion in Helmand Province as he took part in a patrol alongside members of the Afghanistan National Army.

His wife Leona paid tribute to the 42-year-old father of two: "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 and he was the perfect soul mate to me.''

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.

Reverend Stephen Kivett is the vicar at church near to where he was based in Taunton - which will be holding a vigil. He says it is a difficult time: "everybody is feeling quite anxious really and concerned about their own loved ones who are in Afghanistan deployed, particularly those with young families and I can certainly appreciate that."

Corporal Walker is being flown back to RAF Lyneham ahead of a procession through Wootten Bassett.