The family of a Colchester-based paratrooper killed in Afghanistan have paid tribute to a "fine, upstanding lad".
Private Damien Raymond Jackson, 19, of The 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, died during a firefight with Taliban rebels in the Helmand province on Wednesday.
His father Damien Jackson said: "I wish everyone to know just how extremely proud I am of my son Damien - of all he has achieved in his lifetime and the fact he died when duty called, protecting others in service of his country."
- Read the full story in tonight's Evening Gazette
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