Fallen soldier 'lived for Army'

Pte Young's relatives said he had taken great pride in his job

An 18-year-old soldier from Hull who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan "lived for the Army", his relatives have said.

Pte Johnathon Young died on 20 August, just 18 days into his first operational tour of duty.

He had proposed to his girlfriend shortly before leaving for Afghanistan.

Relatives said Pte Young had taken great pride in his job and was looking forward to getting married. His body will be returned to the UK on Thursday.

Pte Young served with 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.

He was killed while on foot patrol in Helmand Province.

'Infectious smile'

Another soldier, Sjt Paul McAleese, 29, of Hereford, was killed in a second explosion when trying to help Pte Young.

Pte Young's fiancee, Nicola Morrfitt, 20, said he had been making plans for their future lives together.

"That's something we will never have now.

"But I've got to be strong for John. It's what he would have wanted."

In a statement, Pte Young's relatives said: "We feel a sense of pride in the many memories John left behind - his unique sense of humour, his infectious smile and his appetite to live life to the full."