Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper from 3rd Battalion The Rifles died on 24 January 2010 as a result of an explosion near Sangin, in Helmand province in Afghanistan.

His death, while on foot patrol, brought the number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 251.

Born in Hereford on 10 March 1988, he went to Whitecross High School before enlisting and going to the Army Training Regiment in Bassingbourn in 2005 for training. He went on to Catterick and joined 2 LI in Edinburgh in 2006.

Lance Corporal Cooper deployed with A Company 3 RIFLES to Afghanistan in October 2009. He was promoted to Corporal following an injury to his section Second In Command.

His parents, Karl and Caroline Cooper said: "A caring son, brother and partner. He was not just a brother but a best friend who will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Daniel, we were proud to be your parents from the day you were born."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer of 3 RIFLES Battle Group said: "Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper was one of the great characters of the Battalion; his sense of humour and zest for life were topped only by his ability and determination.

"The consummate soldier, he was the complete package; fit, bright and dedicated to his work. Ever cheerful and irrepressibly positive, he shone as an example to the more junior Riflemen on how to act and what to aim for.

"Lance Corporal Cooper was cruelly taken from us while doing the job he loved. He had survived numerous brushes with danger in this tough fight alongside colleagues and mates who respected, trusted and loved him.

"The loss of a Rifleman brimming with such talent and potential leaves a real gap in the Battle Group for the here and now and in this his Battalion for the longer term."

Major Tim Harris, Officer Commanding A Company said: "Lance Corporal Cooper was something of a legend in A Company.

"I had the pleasure of being his Company Commander for 9 months and I have been amazed at the warmth and depth of affection within the Company for this modest young man.

"It is a testament to his quality that my platoon commanders have fought over who got to keep him in their platoon – he had such a positive impact on those around him.

"He was an excellent soldier with incredible stamina – he wanted to become a Physical Training Instructor and at the same time wanted to do a Junior Non Commissioned Officers' Cadre for promotion to Lance Corporal. Knowing his energy and enthusiasm, I don't doubt he could have done both courses at the same time.

"I remember fitness training sessions in Edinburgh , when the Company would run up into the Pentland hills and 'Coops' would quite literally be running rings around the rest of the company in preparation for the PTI course. He had clear and unequivocal potential for a long career in the Rifles.

"I have fond personal memories of him here in Sangin, whether leading on patrol, or driving the Platoon resupply quad bike. He did all of these things with utter dedication and concentration.

"He was one of the exceptional breed of men who volunteer to search the ground for improvised explosive devices so that their mates might be safe. If you want to know real bravery, walk a mile in their shoes. But with Coops, when the time was right, he was never far from a well-judged practical joke or two.

"Unusually for a Rifleman, he also made an indelible mark on people outside the company and always stopped to talk to people in the Battalion – a true Rifleman, with time for others."