A soldier killed in action in Afghanistan two days before Christmas Day has today been named as Captain Richard Holloway from County Durham.

The 29-year-old who served with the Royal Engineers was "an exceptional young man" who "embraced life to the full", his family has said.

He was killed as a result of enemy fire while on operations east of Kabul on December 23. He leaves behind parents Jaquie and Neil, brother Luke and girlfriend Sandy.

Cpt Holloway is the ninth British soldier to die so far this year and the 447th since the war began in 2001 .

In a statement, his family said: " "Our son Richard was an exceptional young man, a perfectionist in everything he did and a loyal brother and friend, who embraced life to the full."

Captain Ed Martin, Royal Engineers, said: "I have never met a more trustworthy, loyal or dedicated friend, he had humility in spades and I would have followed him anywhere.

“I am very lucky to have known him and feel exceptionally fortunate to have had him as the best man at my wedding earlier this year, he will be dearly missed.

"But my loss is only minor compared to that of his parents Jaquie and Neil, his brother Luke and girlfriend Sandy, my thoughts are with them all at this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace.”