A ROYAL Marine from North Yorkshire killed in an explosion in Afghanistan showed Commando Spirit throughout his life, his family said today.

Marine David Charles Hart, 23, of 40 Commando, died on Thursday after he was caught in a blast while on foot patrol in the Sangin District of Helmand Province.

His parents Dilys and Chris Hart, from Upper Poppleton, near York, North Yorkshire, said: "David loved his family, his girlfriend and friends, many that he has known since early age.

"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."

His sister Sarah Hart said: "Dave was the best brother I could ever have wished for.

"He was caring, funny, had an infamous cheeky grin and would always be there for you.

"I am so proud to have been his sister, and of his chosen career as a Royal Marines Commando.

"He truly loved his job and relished the challenges he was facing on a daily basis.

"Dave, I will miss you so much. You were so brave and I will always remember you as a true hero."

The Ministry of Defence said Marine Hart joined recruit training in February 2009 and stood out as one of the top recruits.

He passed out for duty as a Royal Marines Commando on October 16 2009 and was awarded The Commando Medal.

The medal is only given to those who show an outstanding degree of courage, unselfishness, determination and cheerfulness under adversity, qualities which the Royal Navy says defines the Commando Spirit.

Marine Hart was drafted to 40 Commando Royal Marines, joining Charlie Company, and was deployed to Afghanistan in April.

He was killed the day before he turned 24.