FRIENDS of Private James Prosser, the young soldier killed in Afghanistan at the weekend, have described him as “a hero forever”.

Pt Prosser of Coed Eva died in an explosion in Afghanistan on Sunday. He was driving a Warrior vehicle during a patrol in the Musa Qaleh district of Helmand Province.

The 21-year-old, who was serving with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, was due home on Friday having served in Afghanistan since July.

Pt Prosser's family described him as a wonderful son and brother. They said they were very proud of the man he had become and said he is dearly loved and cherished by family and friends.

A former Llantarnam Comprehensive School pupil, Pt Prosser joined the Army last year.

Paying tribute, head teacher David Bright said: “He was well-known to a lot of pupils and staff in the school.

“It’s very easy to say nice things about James – anyone would have loved to have James as a son or a pupil. He put his best efforts into his schooling, he was determined and always did his best.”

In 2003 Pt Prosser raised £1,000 for Cancer Research Wales when he did a charity parachute jump.

Mr Bright recalled: “He had a boyish adventurous side and will be well remembered for his parachute jump. Joining the Army was something he was planning to do since he was at school.”

Pt Prosser was a member of the school’s rugby team. He left Llantarnam sixth form in 2006 after gaining a business qualification.

Since turning 18, Pt Prosser used to socialise at the Upper Cocks pub, Croesyceiliog.

Landlady and friend Diane Evans said: “James was a very nice down-to-earth boy. He never got into any trouble, he was just one of the lads.

“He was really popular and will be sadly missed by everyone.”

She added: “We didn’t want him to join the Army but he said it was something he wanted to do – he thought it was something a bit different.

“I think he was a bit nervous before he went to Afghanistan but he never let it show.”

Mrs Evans said Pt Prosser was due to come back from his deployment on Friday and that his family were absolutely devastated that he did not make it home. She added he was a keen poker player and was one of the winners in the pub’s last tournament.