Updated: FORMER teachers have paid handsome tributes to York soldier Ashley David Smith, following his death in Afghanistan.

The 21-year-old from Acomb, who died in an explosion in the notorious Helmand Province, attended Hob Moor Junior School and then the former Oaklands School.

Jan Mackay, who was head of year for Trooper Smith for four years during his time at Oaklands, now part of York High, said: “He was a lovely lad. He was an absolutely delightful young man and a highly talented basketball player. He was the most talented player in the school basketball team.”

She said after leaving in 2006, Ashley returned to school to help with basketball training sessions.

“If you ever asked Ashley to do anything, he would always do it with a smile.”

Rob Calvert, who was head at Hob Moor Junior during Ashley’s time there, said: “I remember him as a really happy, cheerful young lad, who was always ready to help.”

Meanwhile, Sam Griffiths, who used to play basketball regularly with Trooper Smith at West Bank Park, Holgate, until a couple of years ago, said he was the best basketball player he had ever played with.

“He was very, very good,” said Sam, 20, of Holgate. “When I heard he had died, I was very shocked and saddened.”

York MP Hugh Bayley said his first thoughts were with Ashley’s family.

“They have lost a brave and selfless young man who put his country and our safety and security before his own,” he said.

“They are going through a dreadfully difficult time.

“When they are ready, I will meet them to listen to questions they have and to try to find answers.”

Mr Bayley, who is currently in Kosovo reviewing NATO’s peace keeping efforts, added that eleven years since the end of the Kosovo war, some good progress had been made, and this showed the benefits that British soldiers and NATO could bring to people abroad.