Tribute to ex-para killed in Iraq

Gavin Emmett was described as happy-go-lucky

The funeral of a former soldier killed while working as a security guard in Iraq is to be held on Friday.

Gavin Emmett, 29, from Hereford, died when the vehicle he was in hit a roadside bomb on 3 November.

A ceremony will be held at St Paul's Church in Tupsley which will be following by a cremation.

Mr Emmett's family have also organised a party at Hereford Racecourse that evening to celebrate the married father-of-one's life.

SAS dreams

The former paratrooper was working for private security firm Blue Hackle in Iraq, having served for six years with the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment.

He is survived by wife Kelly, three-year-old son Harley, together with his parents, step-parents, three sisters, a brother and a nephew and niece.

In many ways he was a daredevil who liked to push out the boundaries Family statement

His family said in a statement that Mr Emmett was laid back, happy-go-lucky with a cheeky sense of humour.

"Although he had left the army and was working for a private firm when he died, Gavin was still very much serving his country out in Iraq.

"It remained his ambition to one day rejoin the forces and serve with the SAS."

He was aware of the dangers of his job but saw it as the best way to provide for his family, the statement said.

"In many ways he was a daredevil who liked to push out the boundaries, but he also had a very kind, gentle and sincere side and always got on with everyone."

Anyone who knew Mr Emmett is invited to the services or the party, the statement said.