A Royal Marine who was shot dead in Afghanistan after his patrol was ambushed has been described by his mother as a "devoted, beautiful and giving son".
Marine David Fairbrother, from 42 Commando, was shot in the Helmand Province area of southern Afghanistan on Monday.
The 24-year-old, from Blackburn, Lancashire, joined the Royal Marines in November 2009 and was a qualified team medic with Kilo Company, The Black Knights.
Mother Julie Fairbrother said: "David, not only are you the sunshine of my life but you were a devoted, beautiful and giving son. I am so proud of the determination you had to become a Royal Marine.
"You were always fun loving, caring and lived life to the full. Not only were you the perfect son but you were my best friend and you will be in my thoughts forever."
His younger sister Emily said: "My brother, my best friend, my hero. The life and soul of every party."
The MoD said that Marine Fairbrother was killed while deployed in support of an Afghan National Army patrol in the village of Old Khorgajat.
Two hours into the patrol the group was engaged in small arms fire from close range and Marine Fairbrother was fatally wounded.
Commanding officers and fellow men serving with and alongside 42 Commando praised the Marine, describing him as "immensely popular".
Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Murchison MBE Royal Marines, Commanding Officer, 42 Commando Royal Marines, said: "Marine David Fairbrother was a first class Marine and a young man of rare quality. A lively character and immensely popular, he will be remembered for the constant grin he had on his face, no matter how dire the situation, and the 'dits' he told to maintain morale."
