Tributes to Warwickshire soldier killed in Afghanistan
Tributes have poured in for Warwickshire-born Sergeant Simon Valentine of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers - the 201st solider killed in Afghanistan.
The married father of two young daughters, Sgt Valentine, 29, from Bedworth, Warwickshire joined the army in 1997.
He leaves his wife Gemma, who he had known since school and married in 2002, and two daughters, Chantelle and Niamh.
Mrs Valentine said: "Simon, above all else, was a truly loved father, son, husband and friend. To have known him was to have loved him."
Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth said: "Sergeant Simon Valentine was clearly hugely experienced, a true leader of men who was admired by all those who served with him. The news of his death is deeply saddening and I extend my condolences to his family, friends and all those who benefited from serving with this excellent soldier."
His Commanding Officer 2 RRF, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Calder, said: "Sergeant Valentine was quite simply an outstanding platoon sergeant. He achieved what needed to be done with a light touch when in camp, and when on the ground he gave enormous confidence to all the Fusiliers with him by his meticulously professional approach."
