ROYAL Marine David Hart from York died in a bomb blast in southern Afghanistan on July 6, 2010 - the day before his 24th birthday.

Another life cut so tragically short on the front line.

The 40 Commando marine made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He also did something remarkable for his friends.

He wrote a letter which stipulated that £100,000 be left from his £250,000 life insurance policy for 32 of his friends to travel to Las Vegas.

That trip in his memory took place last summer.

There was nothing shallow about that decision or the fact his friends took that trip. He wanted them to remember him by doing something he would have loved, and gave them the chance to come together to help each other through his own loss.

He remained, to the end, a good friend.

Sgt Damian O'Sullivan, who had been with the soldier when he died in Sangin, told the inquest into his death he was supremely professional but was also "the life and sould of any situation he was in".

Those of us who are older, some of whom see the younger generation as epitomised by shallow reality TV shows like The Only Way Is Essex or the rioters in English cities last year, would do well to remember that it has sacrificed much, much more than our own.

AT 50, George Clooney is still one of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors, but think again if you believe that his life is completely wonderful.

Oscar-nominated Clooney told the The Hollywood Reporter newspaper that despite a string of attractive girlfriends including current girlfriend Stacy Keibler, he had sufered from loneliness at times.

He said: "I have been infinitely more alone in a bad relationship. There's nothing more isolating. I have been in places in my life where that has existed."

He admitted to sometimes having drunk too much and said he is often in bed by 10pm, adding: "Without question I wake up every night five times."

So good looks, fame and money can't buy you everything.

I still suspect there are thousands of men in Gwent who would swap places with him, and thousands of Gwent women who would keep him company.

AND finally...

HOW sweet that a colony of otters are being given their very own lollipop man to help them cross a road in Herefordshire.

Hereford Futures employee Charles Pickles has volunteered to help the animals across the busy A438 during the regeneration of a nearby cattle market, and is looking at longer-term a scheme involving an "underpass" to the road.

He said: "We all like happy endings, and it should be the same for otters."

And so say all of us.