Best of British: Heartbreak and pride for six soldiers killed in Afghan blast

LIEUTENANT Colonel Zac Stenning paid tribute to Sgt Coupe, of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

“Sergeant Nigel Coupe returned to us from the Armoured Training Centre Bovington, where he excelled as an instructor,” he said.

“He was proud to be a Lancashire soldier in a Yorkshire battalion. His technical prowess was unmatched; he was, quite simply, the best.

“Today we have lost one of our brothers who led and mentored those above and below him with true humility.”

Family friend Janet Fuller said: “The last time I saw him was outside his dad’s house all dressed up in his uniform, just getting ready to go off to get married. I would imagine the family are devastated.”