Tributes have been paid to a "brave and proud Cornishman" from west Cornwall who died while on active duty in Afghanistan.
Corporal James Walters, 36, from Horsedowns, near Leedstown, was one of five people killed in a helicopter crash in Kandahar province during a routine flight on Saturday morning.
Residents from the quiet village have been paying tribute to Corporal Walters, known as Bungle, calling him a "fun-loving man".
Tom Christophers, a prominent figure in Leedstown and member of the parish council, has known the soldier since he was a young boy.
He said: "James helped me on my milk round for about five years. He was a lovely boy, always very keen on sport.
"I know he always wanted to fly. Flying and rugby were his two main things. I think he was an excellent boy, he loved his work.
"You just can't imagine what it's like [for the family] just suddenly gone like that. It's a shock, it has hit me quite hard."
Corporal Walters grew up on the outskirts of Leedstown, attending Crowan School before moving to Helston Community College.
He joined the Army in March 1996 as a Driver and following training to become ground crew on the Apache helicopter he moved to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps.
As news spread through the village where he grew up, further tributes were left.
A bunch of flowers placed at the war memorial in Praze-an-Beeble carried the message:"For serviceman James Walters of Drym who gave his life serving this country in April 2014.
"A very brave and proud Cornishman with so much respect."
Chairman of Crowan Parish Council, Sandra Muriel, said: "Crowan Parish Council are extremely saddened to hear about James who was one of the sons of Crowan. Our thoughts go to the family, in particular Mr and Mrs Walters, who still live in Horsedowns."
Corporal Walters leaves behind his wife Tracey and daughter Lainey.
