Town pays tribute to dead soldier

Rifleman Bassett's old college has opened a book of condolence

Tributes have been paid in Cornwall to a soldier who died after an explosion in Afghanistan.

Rifleman Samuel Bassett, of 1 Platoon, 4th Battalion The Rifles, was serving as part of the 3 Rifles Battle Group.

The 20-year-old, born in Plymouth, was injured by a bomb in Helmand province on 1 November. He died on Sunday.

In Torpoint, where Rifleman Bassett was raised, flags are flying at half mast and a condolence book is open at the community college where he studied.

He completed military training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick before joining 4th Battalion The Rifles in Bulford in May this year. He was deployed in October to the area around Northern Sangin.

'Utterly dependable'

The chairman of the Torpoint branch of the Royal British Legion, Steve Lewis, said the town was in total disbelief at the news.

He said: "The whole of the small community that we are in Torpoint has been absolutely rocked at this tragic news.

"I'm amazed at how many did know him and how many people are willing to give their support to his family.

"It just typifies what kind of small town we are."

The mayor of Torpoint, Mike Pearn, said the entire town sent its condolences to Rifleman Bassett's family.

He said: "We in Torpoint feel a very sad loss as he was a well respected young man."

Teacher Mark Jeffreys, who taught Rifleman Bassett at the community college, said he was "a very quiet, unassuming student who was popular with everybody".

He said: "He was totally and utterly dependable and helpful. If you ever asked him to do anything, you knew it would be done."

His death will be marked in a special assembly at the college on Wednesday which is being held for Armistice Day.