THE Royal Marine from 40 Comando killed in Afghanistan on Thursday has been named as Marine David Charles Hart.

Marine Hart, 23, was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Sangin District of Helmand Province.

He was born in Yoprk and lived with his family in Upper Poppleton.

He joined recruit training in February 2009, and stood out as one of the top recruits and in recognition of this was awarded his Diamond.

He passed out for duty as a Royal Marines Commando on 16 October 2009, when he was awarded The Commando Medal for showing to an outstanding degree the qualities of the Commando Spirit - determination, courage, cheerfulness and unselfishness.

He was the 11th member of Norton Manor Camp-based 40 Commando to die on the current tour of duty.

Dilys and Chris Hart, his parents, said: "David loved his family, his girlfriend and friends, many that he has known since early age.

"Throughout his life David showed the qualities of the Commando Spirit, he had a great personality and was a friend to everyone.

"His cheerfulness, his sense of humour and of course his smile will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. We are immensely proud, as he was, of his achievements."

Sarah Hart, his sister said: "Dave was the best brother I could ever have wished for.

"He was caring, funny, had an infamous cheeky grin and would always be there for you.

"I am so proud to have been his sister, and of his chosen career as a Royal Marines Commando.

"He truly loved his job and relished the challenges he was facing on a daily basis.

"Dave, I will miss you so much. You were so brave and I will always remember you as a true hero."

Lieut Col Paul James, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin said: "Marine Dave Hart was magnificent; both in personality and in profession.

"Diligent, loyal, utterly dedicated and completely selfless, he was a perfect Commando.

"He had a resolute but compassionate manner that everyone admired; he thrived in adversity and inspired others to do the same.

"He was tragically killed on the eve of his 24th birthday, with a bright career ahead of him, but he died doing the job he loved and amongst friends who will love him forever. He took great pride in all that he did and was a man of great presence; in stature, in temperament, and in life.

"He was a young and deeply impressive marine who was fiercely courageous and always thinking of others before himself.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his friends.

"He was truly one of life's greats and he will be sorely missed by all in 40 Commando.

"Marine Dave Hart was, and always will be, a Royal Marine Commando."