Derby Evening Telegraph -- A Derbyshire airman who was due to marry in three weeks' time has been killed in Iraq.

Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard, of the Royal Air Force Regiment, died on Tuesday while taking part in a routine foot patrol in the Al Waki district of Basra.

The 20-year-old was hit by a bullet after the patrol came under attack.

He was evacuated by helicopter to the field hospital but did not survive.

LAC Beard is the second serviceman from Ripley to die in active service in a trouble zone in just over six weeks - and the second to have studied at Mill Hill School in the town.

Drummer Thomas Wright, 21, was killed on June 24 when his Land Rover was involved in an explosion in Afghanistan.

He was serving with the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters in Helmand province, delivering aid.

LAC Beard had been due to tie the knot with his fiancee, Nicola Parkin, on his return from Iraq in about three weeks at Santo's Higham Farm Hotel, near Alfreton.

A statement was released last night from LAC Beard's family, including Miss Parkin, 20, his sisters, Rachael Beard - who turned 22 on the day her brother died - and Victoria Jones, 24, and her husband, Andy. The statement said every time Miss Parkin thought of her fiance she saw "a picture of his smiling happy face".

It continued: "She knows that although their future together is no longer possible, the happiness of the last four years will stay with her and keep her company forever."

Of Mrs Jones, who lives in Rainworth, near Mansfield, the statement said: "The memory of Martin giving her away at her wedding three months ago will always be the proudest moment of her life - a fact that she knows would have ensured equal pride in their mother."

And the whole family said: "Martin was always incredibly loyal to his family and his fiancee, Nic.

"To those privileged enough to know him as a friend and to the Royal Air Force Regiment, he will always be known for his fantastic and vibrant personality and for his cheeky desire to be centre of attention.

"The news of Martin's death has come as a huge shock to all of us and his loss will create a huge gap in all our lives.

"We would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support at this very difficult time."

Miss Parkin, who lived in Ripley with her fiance, met him while they were pupils at Mill Hill School.

On leaving school, LAC Beard went to Buxton College to study IT. He joined the RAF in April last year.

Miss Parkin said in the statement: "He was exceptionally proud of being part of the RAF regiment. It was something that meant a lot to him."

LAC Beard's colleagues paid tribute to him.

Squadron Leader Jason Sutton, the Officer Commanding No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, in which LAC Beard served, said he had joined the squadron in September when he graduated "from basic training with flying colours".

He said: "Better known to the squadron as 'Beardy', he was outwardly a quiet man but this concealed a wicked sense of humour.

"Strong, fit and an exceptionally gifted infantryman, he had such a bright future and had already set his sights on selection for special forces."

He said that in LAC Beard the RAF Regiment had lost one of its most promising young men.

LAC Matthew Brown, who underwent basic training with LAC Beard, said: "We were busy but he always found time to talk to you and cheer you up.

"After he passed out of training he planned to propose to his girlfriend. He was so nervous, even though he pretended not to be, but when she accepted he couldn't wipe the smile off his face."

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, described LAC Beard as "a credit to The Royal Air Force Regiment."

LAC Craig Richardson, who served with LAC Beard, said: "When I found out we were joining the same Squadron and Flight I was so happy that we could remain mates. He was a true friend and we will all miss him."