PRIVATE James Prosser is the fourth Gwent soldier to be killed after fighting for his country in Afghanistan.

The 21-year-old Cwmbran soldier died on Sunday after an explosion while he was driving his Warrior vehicle during a vehicle patrol in the Musa Qaleh district of Helmand Province.

The news follows the recent deaths of his fellow soldiers, Private Richard Hunt, from Abergavenny, Private Kyle Adams, from Croesyceiliog, and Rifleman Jamie Gunn, from Monmouth.

Private Prosser was serving with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh and had only been in Afghanistan since July.

He is the 218th soldier to die in Afghanistan since operations began there in 2001.

Private Prosser’s family described him as a wonderful son and brother.

They said they were very proud of the man he had become and said he is dearly loved and cherished by his family and friends.

His friends said in a statement said he will always be "one of the boys".

They said: “The amount of respect we have for you is indescribable, a true friend and a real hero forever."

Private Prosser, who had been a member of Cwmbran Celtics Football Club and Fairwater Falcons Hockey Club, joined the army in July last year.

He completed his infantry training at ITC Catterick before joining his regiment in February.

The Llantarnam Comprehensive School pupil was initially a member of a dismounted section before being selected for training as a Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle Driver.

Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, Lieutenant Colonel Didi Wheeler, said it was another devastating blow to the Battalion and particularly to 2 Platoon, A Company.

He said Private Prosser was a brave Welsh Warrior who had come to the fore within the company despite only joining the Battalion in February.

Lieutenant Colonel Wheeler said he made a large impact on so many in such a short period.

Commanding Officer Battlegroup Northwest, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Calder, said the Battlegroup are devastated by Private Prosser’s death.

He said: “He was a gifted soldier and capable Warrior driver, he was also a popular and outgoing member of his company.”

Company Commander Major Huw Jones said he was a fun, astute and selfless soldier and that his death had left a huge hole.

Lieutenant Tom Richards, 2 Platoon Commander, said Private Prosser was one of the jokers who accumulated a long and creative list of nicknames.

He said he was the Platoon’s most prominent characters who could always "get a laugh".

Lieutenant Richards added: “It is rare that a big character's charisma is matched by professionalism but Pross was one of those fortunate people who could naturally balance the two.”

He said the soldier was regarded as a model and died too young to have properly enjoyed life or to fulfil the potential he clearly possessed.

He said the void left in their lives can never be filled.

Corporal Lee Rees said the soldier brought a smile to everyone’s face the moment he opened his mouth.

Platoon Sergeant Scott Townley said Private Prosser made the Platoon tick over with his funny, cocky nature.

He said: “He was flexible and could at any time take up a job at short notice making him a great asset to me and the Platoon Commander.”

Vehicle Commander, Corporal Neil Collins, described the 21-year-old as an excellent soldier and the best Warrior driver in the Platoon.

He said the soldier always gave up his spare time to help other drivers.