THE family of a North-East soldier killed in a bomb blast in Afghanistan have paid tribute to him.

Corporal Steven Thomas Dunn, from Gateshead, died on Tuesday after his Jackal vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province.

Colleagues said the 27-yearold married father-of-one was “always in the thick of it” and “died doing a job he loved”.

Cpl Dunn, a keen Newcastle United fan, served with 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron, attached to the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment Battlegroup.

He went to Afghanistan in September for his third tour of duty in the country.

The former pupil of St Joseph’s School, Hebburn, was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Bowri desert.

His family said: “Steven was a loving husband to Cheryl, son to Vicky, and doting dad to Emily. He has left a huge hole in the lives of those he has left behind.

“He lived for the Army – it was his first love after Cheryl and Newcastle United.

“We are all immensely proud of all that he achieved in his short life. He died doing a job he loved and excelled at.”

Major Alistair Fawcett, officer commanding 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron, said Cpl Dunn had a spark in his eye, a devilish Geordie sense of humour and was a good man to share a beer with.

Regimental Sergeant Major Steve Pink, of 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron, said he was larger than life – the epitome of an airborne signaller who lived life to the full.

Major Mike Shervington, chief of staff 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment Battle Group, said Cpl Dunn “epitomised all that is best in our soldiers and all that is best about Newcastle and the North-East.”

Dr Liam Fox, Secretary of State for Defence, said he was deeply saddened to learn of Cpl Dunn’s death and offered his deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and colleagues.