HUNDREDS of mourners paid silent tribute to a York servicemen killed in Afghanistan as his body was repatriated back to the UK today.

The body of Royal Marine David Hart, of 40 Commando, arrived at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire earlier today where a private service was held.

His coffin, draped in the Union flag, was then driven through nearby Wootton Bassett en route to the coroner in Oxford.

Residents and business people joined family and friends in a moment's silence as the cortege paused at the town's war memorial.

Marine Hart, from York, was serving as part of Combined Force Sangin when he was killed in an explosion on foot patrol in Sangin, Helmand on July 8.

The 23-year-old lived in Upper Poppleton and his parents, Dilys and Chris Hart, said he loved his family, his girlfriend and friends.

They said: "Throughout his life David showed the qualities of the Commando spirit, he had a great personality and was a friend to everyone.

"His cheerfulness, his sense of humour and, of course, his smile will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. We are immensely proud, as he was, of his achievements."

Sarah Hart, his sister, said: "Dave, I will miss you so much. You were so brave and I will always remember you as a true hero."

Marine Hart was one of two servicemen repatriated yesterday, the second was Bombardier Samuel Robinson, from the 5th Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Bombardier Robinson, 31, from Carmarthen, was serving in support of Combined Force Sangin and died in an explosion while on foot patrol in Sangin on July 8.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hayhurst, Commanding Officer 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, said Bombardier Robinson was a "courageous man" respected by all who knew him, adding: "He was special and will be sorely missed. His tragic loss has come as a shock to us all and my greatest sympathy goes out to his family and to his friends."