Family members of a Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan on New Year's Eve have described how they had been left with a "huge hole" in their lives.
The death of Corporal Liam Elms, 26, from Wigan marked an end to Britain's worst year of losses since the conflict began.
In a statement released through the Ministry of Defence, his family described him as a "true man's man".
They added: "Liam always strived to be the best, his proudest achievement was receiving his beloved green beret. Liam will leave a huge hole in our lives and he will always be missed."
Cpl Elms, who was engaged to be married, died in an explosion in Southern Helmand on operations with Zulu Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines. The Company was conducting a local area patrol alongside Afghan National Army troops in order to reassure the local population, the MoD said.
The keen Rugby League enthusiast was described by colleagues as an exceptional leader who had "commando qualities in spades".
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Morris, commanding officer with 45 Commando, said: "Cpl Elms was an outstanding Royal Marine and a huge personality. The determined commitment and bravery that he has shown throughout the conduct of numerous operations over the last few months has been an example to all and his loss has been felt very deeply throughout 45 Commando."
He was the 137th British serviceman to die in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 and the 12th Royal Marine to die in the past two months.
His death took the number of British personnel killed in Afghanistan last year to 51, compared with 42 in 2007 and 39 in 2006. Between October 2001 and the end of 2005, there were five fatalities.
Defence Secretary John Hutton added: "Corporal Liam Elms was clearly an outstanding Marine. His family, friends and colleagues will mourn deeply his loss, and my thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.
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