THE family of a Merseyside soldier killed in Afghanistan have paid tribute to their “hero”.

Corporal Simon Hornby, 29, from Halewood and the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Nad-e-Ali area of Helmand on Saturday.

His wife, Holly, described Cpl Hornby, who had previously served in Iraq, where he was awarded a commendation for spotting a roadside bomb before it struck his patrol, as her “hero”.

Cpl Hornby’s death brings the total of British service personnel who have died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001 to 240, including 103 deaths this year.

Yesterday, his wife, Holly, said: “I am devastated by the loss of Simon.

“He was proud to be a soldier and died doing the job he loved.

“He was my hero.”

In 2007, Cpl Hornby had described how pleased he was to return home after his third tour of duty in Iraq. He spoke of his pleasure at being reunited with his family and then bride-to-be, Holly.

He said: “I’m relieved and I’m tired and I just want to see my fiancee, Holly, and have a pint.

“We are getting married next month and I can’t avoid the preparations any longer.”

Cpl Hornby was subsequently deployed to Afghanistan as a section commander with Arnhem Company, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The passionate Liverpool FC fan was stationed at Shamal Storrai patrol base and was the most senior of the non-commissioned officers there.

Hundreds of friends and colleagues have been paying their respects to Cpl Hornby online.

Messages were posted to a page on the social network Facebook, and the tribute site GoneTooSoon.

Colleagues said Cpl Hornby, known as Si, thrived in the role and led by example, and they paid tribute to his love of life and sense of humour.

Born and brought up in Liverpool, he attended Halewood Comprehensive School, before joining the Army in 2000.