The family of a Torpoint soldier was joined by his friends and colleagues as they marked the first anniversary of his death.

Rifleman Samuel John Bassett, 20, from 4th battalion The Rifles, died in hospital on November 8, 2009, after an explosion in Northern Helmand, Afghanistan, during a routine patrol. His death on Remembrance Sunday was a reminder of the sacrifice British troops are willing to make. The former Torpoint Community College pupil was serving as part of the 3 Rifles Battle Group when he died.

Following Samuel's death his father Simon, a former Looe police sergeant, travelled to Cornwall from his home in Canada to be with relatives.

Samuel's mother Coline and brother Jack were among family members at a private memorial service in Torpoint on Monday.

They left a moving tribute which read: 'My beautiful son, so proud of you, our brave soldier.

'Miss you more and more as each day goes by.

'If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane I'd climb right up to heaven to bring you home again.

'All my love forever in our hearts – Mum and Jack'.

A similar message has been inscribed on a plaque from his mum on the bench erected in his memory, which was this week covered in flowers and tributes.

A plaque from Jack reads: 'Missing the late nights and fun times. Still owe you a good night out. Love always. Your Bro xxx.'

He was described as a 'true Rifleman' by his colleagues, many of whom were at the service having not been able to attend his funeral because of duties in Afghanistan. The tribute left by the Riflemen of A Company 4 Rifles read: 'A year has past and you are still in our hearts. Swift and bold.'

Another tribute read: 'Loving you always forgetting you never from all your loving family.'