A YOUNG soldier from Wimborne who was killed in Afghanistan has been remembered as a “tremendous character” with a “heart of gold”.

Andrew Howarth, 20, a trooper in Fondouk Squadron, the Queen’s Royal Lancers, was killed in an explosion on Saturday.

He died while on vehicle patrol in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand Province alongside one of his colleagues, a soldier from the Royal Engineers who had not been named last night.

Andrew, nicknamed Steptoe by his fellow soldiers “for his natural and endearing scruffiness”, was described by them as “professional”, “selfless” and “the perfect reconnaissance soldier” whose career was “destined for greatness”.

He was also known for his “incessant smile” and ability to “find humour in the darkest of places”.

A Facebook page set up in his memory bears the message: “Andrew loved his family to bits, he looked after his mates, had a heart of gold and lit up any room he entered. Andy’s fun-loving side and amazing sense of humour made him the man he was.”

The former Queen Elizabeth School pupil leaves behind his dad John, older brother Marcus and mum Sarah, who was the first to post a message on the site.

She told how her son lit up her life, adding: “He will always shine in my heart. He is my hero and he will never leave my side.”

Other heartfelt comments described Andrew as “an amazing friend” and “a lovely person, full of fun and such a gentleman”. Many spoke of their pride in the soldier, calling him a hero who “made our country and us proud”.

Andy Puttock, head teacher of Queen Elizabeth School, where Andrew studied from years nine to 11, said: “Everyone at school is devastated. They remember him as an absolutely lovely lad. Those are the words people keep on using. They remember how proud he was to go and do what he did. It’s a very sad day but he’s very fondly remembered at the school.”

Andrew joined the army in 2007, following his father, uncle and grandfather before him into the Lancers. He was a reconnaissance vehicle driver, and his skill saw him chosen to drive for his troop leader. He was deployed to Afghanistan in April this year.

A keen sportsman, he loved rugby and foodball, representing his regimental side on many occasions, and learned to ski with the regimental ski team in Switzerland.

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Todd MBE, Commanding Officer, The Queen’s Royal Lancers, praised him as a “young man of irrepressible enthusiasm, determination and good humour” and “a true son of the Regiment.”

Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Jopp MC, Commanding Officer, Combined Force Lashkar Gah, called Andrew “a tremendous character who had made an impact well beyond the Squadron”.

Major Ben Cossens, Officer Commanding, Fondouk Squadron, The Queen’s Royal Lancers said he was “an excellent solider” who was “robust, professionally and utterly selfless in everything he did,” yet “able to find humour in the darkest of places”.

He added: “His verve, enthusiasm for life and incessant smile will remain with me indefinitely.”

His friends in the squadron remembered Andrew’s love of dance music, and his good humour and jokes which lifted their spirits when they needed it most.

Trooper Craig Smith said he “had a way of making everything fun and bad things OK”, adding: “Andy leaves behind a Squadron’s worth of friends who respected and loved him.”

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