A BOMB disposal expert killed in Afghanistan on New Year's Eve has been named as Sapper David Watson, from the North-East.

Sapper Watson, from 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), known to his friends as 'The Leg', was part of a Conventional Munitions Disposal Team within the UK Counter IED Task Force.

"Sapper Watson was the epitome of a warrior: fearless, ruthlessly determined and a great team."

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex

"Sapper Watson was the epitome of a warrior: fearless, ruthlessly determined and a great team."

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex

"Sapper Watson was the epitome of a warrior: fearless, ruthlessly determined and a great team."

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex

He died of wounds sustained in an explosion caused by an Improvised Explosive Device near Patrol Base Blenheim in the Sangin region of Helmand Province.

He grew up in Whickham, in Newcastle.

His family today released a statement, saying: "Dearly beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, David.

"He always managed to achieve above and beyond the goals that he set for himself often going that extra mile to achieve beyond the bounds of what was expected of him.

"He loved life itself and all of its challenges.

"David's dry sense of humour combined with his ability to articulate any situation into a moment of laughter were two of his many talents, he was loved by all.

"The Army was his career which he loved the most and his achievements whilst serving in the Army show his genuine commitment and determination to serve his country proud.

"Amongst his many accomplishments, David was awarded the fittest soldier upon completion of his basic training, moving onto do his Commando and Paratrooper training as well as becoming top recruit for P Company Infantry training.

"He lived his dream and did what a true soldier is ready to do for his country, a true hero.

"David was a proud and very much loved uncle of Michael. Michael would often ask to be lifted high in the sky, now he will be regularly reminded that David has joined the stars above, giving hope and inspiration to those that hear of his story.

"David was a very much respected friend to all that had the pleasure of meeting him and most of all a very much appreciated and inspirational member of his family. His life taken away from us and words left unspoken.

"You will be dearly missed in our hearts and thoughts, always loved and missed by all family."

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex Royal Logistic Corps, Commanding Officer Counter IED Task Force, said: "Sapper Watson was the epitome of a warrior: fearless, ruthlessly determined and a great team player.

"An immensely proud parachute and commando trained soldier he was highly respected by his peers; they looked up to him with the deference that individuals of his sheer quality warrant.

"Although this was his first operational tour Sapper Watson was a man very much in his element out here in Afghanistan; if ever there was a man born for soldiering it was him.

"Sapper Watson excelled on operations in Afghanistan, reveling in the vital role his team conducted.

"I am humbled and inspired by the courage and resolve men like him show every day in ridding Afghanistan of the threat from IEDs."