A Shropshire-based soldier who died in Afghanistan has been described as a “loving and caring” son and “extraordinary young man”.

Ranger David Dalzell, 20, of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment based at Tern Hill Barracks, was killed on Friday after an operational accident working on a checkpoint in Nad-e-Ali in Helmand Province. He was killed on his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Tributes have been paid to Ranger Dalzell, from Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland, by family and his comrades in A company.

He joined the 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment at Tern Hill in July last year after completing his recruitment training.

His parents Gordon and Susan Dalzell said: “David was a loving and caring son and he was very proud to be a soldier. We are very proud of David as a son and he leaves behind a void that will never be filled.”

Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir MBE, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, said: “Ranger David Dalzell was an extraordinary young man and, despite his relatively short time in the Army, he was already much loved by his fellow soldiers.

“He took to the field of battle like a natural; he was perfectly at home in the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances and his bravery never wavered under fire.

“David was a bright, cheerful and popular young man with a core of steel. His presence in the most fought-over part of Helmand contributed significantly to the safety of the population and to the success of our mission.

“This battlegroup is deeply upset by his death, but we are also intensely proud of him and his many achievements.”

Ranger Silbert Wilson, who serves in A company, said: “Ranger Dalzell was a brilliant soldier and an even more brilliant friend. I’ll miss him sorely.”

Ranger Dalzell leaves his parents, sisters Kelly, Catherine and Rachael and brothers Gareth, Mark and Stewart.

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: “I was extremely saddened to hear about Ranger David Dalzell’s death, which I am sure has come as a heavy blow to his friends and colleagues in A Company, 1 Royal Irish.

“By all accounts he was a most promising young soldier who served his country with courage and honour,” he added.

By Peter Kitchen