A SOLDIER was killed in a road accident only 48 hours after returning from active service in Iraq.

Mark Dixon, 22, from South View, in Meadowfield, Durham City, sustained head injuries when his car veered off the road in Bearpark, just outside the city.

The Ford Fiesta had been on a lefthand bend when it clipped a kerb, crashed into a grass embankment and metal fencing before stopping against a garden fence.

The accident occurred shortly after 3am last Friday and the road was closed for three hours. No other vehicle is believed to have been involved.

Lance Corporal Dixon was found lying near the crashed vehicle and was taken to Durham's University Hospital.

L Cpl Dixon, who served with the 1st Battalion the Scots Guards, was based in Munster, Germany.

He joined the Army in August 2000 after leaving Deerness Valley Comprehensive School.

He moved to the battalion's close reconnaissance team after he initially served with one of the rifle companies.

L Cpl Dixon had qualified as a light tank driver and had also served in Northern Ireland.

He arrived in the UK last Wednesday, after a three-month tour of duty, in time for his aunt's 40th birthday party on Thursday.

Mark stayed with his mother Julie, 43, when he came home on leave. His father, Anthony, 44, works on road construction projects and lives in Lancashire. Mark's older brother Darrin, who is 23, is a bricklayer and lives in the Durham City area.

Captain Martin Hickie, his platoon commander, said: "Lance Corporal Mark Dixon was an extremely popular member of the Scots Guards, and particularly the reconnaissance platoon.

"His popularity stemmed from his unswerving loyalty to his friends and fellow soldiers.

"Lance Corporal Dixon had a bright future ahead of him, both as a member of the recce platoon and as a non-commissioned officer."

A requiem mass will be held at St Patrick's RC Church, Langley Moor, on Monday, at 2pm.

Family and friends will then gather at the Royal British Legion Club, in Meadowfield.

Investigators are appealing for witnesses to the crash. Anyone with any information is asked to call (0191) 375 2159.