THE tragedy of Iraq hit home in Wear Valley communities this week with the death of a Royal Military Policeman in Basra.

Warrant Officer Colin Wall, who grew up in Crawleyside, Weardale, was one of three military policemen killed in an ambush on Saturday.

The 34-year-old, who was stationed at Catterick Garrison and lived with his wife Trish and 11-month-old son Alexander at Middleton One Row, near Darlington, joined the army at 17 after leaving Wolsingham Comprehensive School.

He had two children from a previous marriage to Isabella, Lauren, aged 12 and Robert, ten. His parents Joan and Barry, who now live at Crook, said his passions outside the army were his family, walking his dogs and tinkering with and restoring cars.

They said: "Colin was a loving son and we are very proud of him.

"He loved his family and enjoyed spending time walking in Weardale."

Childhood neighbour David Coates described him as 'a lovely, quiet lad.'

He said: "You read about these things in the paper, but when it's somebody you know, it really hits you."

Warrant Officer Wall, who was the company sergeant major of 150 Provost Company, was only six weeks into his four-month tour of duty in Iraq.