FROM his family to the Prime Minister and senior Army officers, many tributes are being paid to Guardsman Dave Greenhalgh, 25, who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan at the weekend.

The soldier’s father, Steve Greenhalgh, of Cardigan’s Castle Cafe and Cellar Bar, was told of the tragedy on Saturday afternoon. Many messages of sympathy have already been sent to Steve, his wife April and the rest of the family at their home in Hermon.

Serving with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, Lance Sergeant Greenhalgh was one of two Isaf (International Security Assistance Force) service members who died in southern Afghanistan on Saturday as part of the Operation Moshtarak offensive against the Taliban. He died instantly when his vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown offered his condolences to his relatives and friends. He said he was "very brave, very courageous" and died "making the ultimate sacrifice for our country".

Steve Greenhalgh said: “I am proud to be Dave’s Dad. Dave was special. He was my mate, he inspired me and brought light into my life and I loved him. I know he touched many in the same way. We were brothers in Christ and I look forward to seeing him again. His memory will live on in my heart until that day. I will miss you Dave.”

The family plan to be there when L/Sgt Greenhalgh’s body is repatriated on Thursday.

Mayor of Cardigan, Mark Cole said: “This is tragic news for the Greenhalgh family and for the community of Cardigan.

“There are so many fatalities in Afghanistan, and when we have one that affects us locally it brings home to us all the fact that behind every one of them there is a family and a community in mourning. It tragically brings home to us the sacrifices that the military are making every day to secure democracy across the world.”

The flag at Cardigan’s Guildhall is flying at half mast this week.