Rifleman Luke Farmer from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, died in the blast from an improvised explosive device near Sangin in Helmand province on Friday 15th January.

The explosion also claimed the life of fellow soldier, Cpl Lee Brownson , also from 3rd Battalion The Rifles.

Rifleman Farmer was born in Pontefract, West Yorkshire on 27 July 1990.

He went to Minsthorpe Community College before joining the Army in 2008. He trained at Catterick before joining A Company 3 RIFLES in their pre-deployment training for Op HERRICK 11.

His family paid tribute following their loss.

Mark, Luke's father said: "I was the proudest dad at his passing out parade. I felt 20 feet tall the day Luke received the award for the fittest soldier within his intake. He could have one day gone to the Olympics as a 100m metre sprinter, he was that fast."

Angela, Luke's mother said: "He was well loved by us and his extended family and friends. He was a good rugby league player who played for Upton Amateur Rugby Football Club. His favourite Rugby League team were The Castleford Tigers. He will be missed by all including the friends and his cousin who he joined up with."

Scott, Luke's eldest brother said: "He was simply the bestest brother."

Grandfather Derek said: "Luke was a brilliant grandson. We'll always remember the times we took him and his brothers on holiday."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer of 3 RIFLES BG said: "Rifleman Luke Farmer was everything I could ask a Rifleman to be; fit, robust, capable, determined and loyal. His dedication served as an inspiration to his fellow Riflemen and his selfless commitment was an example to all.

"Rifleman Farmer is a shining example of the young men who are serving in this place for the benefit of all. His sacrifice is as humbling as his commitment is inspiring and we shall take strength from his memory.

"Our pain is no less for him being quite new to our band of brothers; indeed the loss of such blinding potential, and one so young, is a bitter pill to swallow.

"We lost a top quality young Rifleman, so much so that he had most definitely made his mark during the very full months he had been with us."

Major Tim Harris, Officer Commanding A Company said: "Rifleman Luke Farmer was a typical Yorkshireman: tough as granite, quietly self-assured and as brave as ten men. He was a man who ‘spoke softly but carried a big stick'. There was no front, no bluff, just honest endeavour and extraordinary maturity for one so young.

"Physically fit and dedicated he was a formidable foe in the unofficial wrestling arena and he carried this strength and courage into his work.

"It was no surprise to me that when he died he had just been fighting the enemy, and that he was the front man, clearing the route in the dark with a metal detector for his mates so that they would be safe. He saw this as his sacred duty – and he was damned good at it.

"Time and again during this tour, he found devices which were subsequently made safe, saving countless lives and limbs. He was proud of his achievements, and I hope his family can take comfort from the fact that Luke died doing an important job, and one that he cared passionately about.