It is with very deep regret that the Ministry of Defence has to confirm that Corporal Russell Aston was killed in action in southern Iraq on 24 June whilst serving with 156 Provost Company, Royal Military Police. Aged 30, he came from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, and was married with one daughter.

Russ Aston was the company physical training instructor and enjoyed an active social life within the unit. He joined the Army in 1993 and was posted to 156 Provost Company in March 2001 after service with the Grenadier Guards. Corporal Aston was military parachute trained, and had served in Macedonia and Northern Ireland and on operations in Kenya.

His wife Anna, and parents Glenice and Mike, issued the following statement:

"Russ was a very handsome man who was loved by everyone who knew him. He was such a kind and special person with a smashing sense of humour, he could get on with anyone he met. He was a doting father who had lots and lots of friends. When he walked into a room he filled it with his height and presence.

"He loved his life in the Army. He was very fit and sporty. He recently ran 31 miles to raise funds for Gresley Rovers, a local junior football team, to provide them with kit. When he was in the Grenadier Guards, he was a physical training instructor and in fact when he passed his Army Training Course, he was commended as the Best Physical Training Cadet.

"He loved animals, was a caring person and although he looked tough, had a heart of gold and was loving and sensitive."

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