THE mother of a Westcountry soldier killed in an explosion while serving in Afghanistan has described her son as "a hero".

The Ministry of Defence last night named Corporal Stephen Thompson, from 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 Rifles), who died in roadside bomb explosion in the Sangin district of Helmand Province on Sunday.

Cpl Thompson, from Bovey Tracey, South Devon, was in Afghanistan after volunteering to take the place of an injured colleague. He leaves one son, seven-year-old Ewan.

His mother, Carol, last night told of the moment an Army official arrived at the family home to inform them of her son's death.

She said: "An Army captain came to tell us the news on Sunday afternoon. It's been shattering.

"He was a hero who achieved his dream of serving his country. To lose him is completely devastating.

"He was in the Army for a long time and served all over the world. It was his life really.

"He was last home at Christmas and for New Year. His plan was to stay in the Army. He had recently taken his sergeant exams and wanted to stay in and be promoted."

The soldier was born in Billingham in Cleveland, in the North East, but moved with the family to Chudleigh Knighton when he was eight.

He was a former pupil at Chudleigh Knighton Primary School and Teign School, and spent 13 years in the armed forces.

His mother added: "He was a popular boy, always active and ambitious.

"A lot of people in the area will know him. He worked for a while at the House of Marbles and Cardew Pottery.

"When he came home he would go out in Torquay quite a lot and Plymouth, living the single life."

Colleagues last night paid tribute to the Devon solider.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 Rifles Battle Group said: "In the short time he was with us, Corporal Thomson had made a lasting impact. His loss is another blow to this Battle Group and our nation but we shall continue his noble work undaunted.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his son Ewan, his parents and his loved ones. We know that they will remember him as we do, with pride and nothing but admiration."

Teign School head teacher Vyv Game said: "Staff who knew Stephen described him as a popular and lively student."

Cpl Thompson also leaves his father, Peter, and siblings Philip, Clare and Helen.