THE BODY of a Looe soldier who died in an explosion in Afghanistan has been flown home.

Described as 'one of life's true gentlemen' by colleagues Acting Lance Corporal Paul (Uppers) Upton, 31, was one of three Westcountry-based servicemen to die in Southern Afghanistan last week.

The bodies of the men were repatriated to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire on Tuesday and a solemn cortege then passed through the nearby town of Wootton Bassett.

L/Cpl Upton, a keen artist, had re-enlisted in the Army in 2007, after leaving in 2000, and was serving alongside his brother Leon as part of a team mentoring Afghan forces.

Flags have been flying at half-mast in Looe.

'The town is shocked and, as mayor for the town and former chair of Looe Royal British Legion, we can do no more than offer our most sincere condolences to the family,' said mayor Ron Overd.

'It is devastating news and a very sad day for the town.

'I have spoken to his mother and grandmother.

'They didn't say an awful lot, naturally they were very upset but his mum said they were coming to terms with the shock.

'His brother, Leon, has been returned home to his base in Wales and his other brother, Peter, has come home from London.'

L/Cpl Upton, a father-of-one, served alongside his brother Leon in different companies of the 1st Battalion The Rifles Regiment, based in Gloucestershire.

Paying tribute, his mother Tina said: 'Paul had his life cut short doing a job he loved and he will be greatly missed by family and friends.'

Friends have posted messages in memory of L/Cpl Upton on the social networking site, Facebook.

One said: 'You're going to be the brightest shining star in the sky, you'll never be forgotton.'

Another added: 'You are a hero, a true hero and paid the ultimate price for doing the job you loved. Sleep tight my friend.'

Described as a 'rock for the team', L/Cpl Upton, who has been in Afghanistan since the autumn, died during an escort patrol in the Gereshk district, central Helmand Province.

Lieutenant Colonel Joe Cavanagh, Commanding Officer, 1 Rifles, said: 'While the battalion has rallied round – most of all to support his proud and immensely popular and talented brother Sergeant Leon Upton, of C Company – it has been devastating.

'I remember as if it was yesterday Paul's first day back in the battalion as we bantered in the corridor. His sense of excitement was palpable and inspiring, and it was quite clear to all of us that he knew that he was back where he belonged.

'We are proud of this young man – and the decisions he has taken – and will miss him terribly.'

His colleagues said: 'For a soldier who had been out of the forces for eight years to re-enlist in time for pre-deployment to Afghanistan, Uppers rolled back into the way of life as if he had not been out.

'He was an excellent Rifleman to work alongside, as all of the team would tell you. He was an outstanding and well-loved Rifleman.'

Captain Rich Camp, Team Commander Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, said: 'Uppers was a genuinely kind person with time for anyone who needed it – one of life's true gentlemen.

'His talk was often of his boy and brother, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his whole family who will be feeling this terrible loss the most. It was a true honour to serve with him, and he is sorely missed as a close friend by the whole team.'

Major Jonathan (Jonny) Kitson, Officer Commanding E Company, 1 Rifles, added: 'The company has lost a dear friend and a great character who will be remembered as the quintessential Rifleman.'

L/Cpl Upton died alongside Cpl Tom Gaden, 24, and Rifleman Jamie Gunn, 21.

L/Cpl Upton leaves behind parents, Peter and Tina, brothers Leon and Peter, sister Samantha and son Jake.

His funeral service is to take place in Hampshire and a memorial service is to be held in Looe.