HUNDREDS of mourners paid tribute to a Territorial Army soldier with a "cheeky smile" who was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Rifleman Mark Marshall, of 6th Battalion The Rifles and who worked as a police community support officer, was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated while he was on a routine foot patrol to the north east of Sangin in Helmand Province.

Rfn Marshall's mother Lynn, his girlfriend Hayley and his brother and sister, Alex and Jo, issued a statement which was read by Sergeant Tom Cunningham, of Devon and Cornwall police, at his funeral yesterday .

"Mark always gave so much, in all he did and achieved, in the short time he was with us. Today is testimony to that," it said.

The family thanked his police colleagues and fellow servicemen for their "tremendous efforts" in organising "such a special day to say goodbye to him".

The statement added: "Everyone who has written the letters, messages and cards of condolence should know that they have given us great comfort, helping us through this time of loss.

"Always think of Mark with his cheeky smile and remember we never lose the ones we love, they stay in our hearts forever."

Thirty standard-bearers from the Royal British Legion attended the funeral at Belmont Chapel on Western Way, Exeter.

A montage of photographs, showing images of his life and of his repatriation to the UK, was played on screens inside the church to the sound of REM's song Everybody Hurts.

The Last Post was played, followed by three volleys of shots by an honour guard made up of B Company 6 Rifles.

A private crematorium service followed, at which a flock of 12 white doves were released.

Rfn Marshall, 29, born in Exeter, served in Kajaki for two months before his platoon was sent to occupy a patrol base in the northern part of the town of Sangin.

He was employed as the "point man" in his patrol, charged with clearing the ground of IEDs.

The PCSO with the Countess Wear Neighbourhood Team died on Valentine's Day.

Rfn Marshall joined the police in 2006 and the force paid tribute yesterday to his "enthusiasm, dedication" and "fantastic sense of humour", and described him as a "vital part of the team".

A police spokesman said: "Mark was always very firm but fair with everyone he dealt with and this earned him immediate respect within the community and our team.

"A couple of years ago a local councillor described Mark as the best police officer Countess Wear had ever had.

"Mark had enormous potential and could have achieved anything that he set his sights on. Sadly, Mark was killed before this full potential was ever reached.

"His cheeky smile, quick sense of humour and total professionalism are sorely missed by all his colleagues and everyone he served in the community."