THE body of York war hero Matthew Hatton was today being flown home to Britain, as tributes to the popular 23-year-old continued to pour in.

Lance Bombardier Hatton, of Haxby, became York’s first victim of the war in Afghanistan when he was killed in a double- explosion in Helmand last Thursday.

The Ministry of Defence said yesterday that his body, and those of the two comrades who fell with him, would be flown to RAF Lyneham this morning, for a private ceremony at the base’s chapel of rest.

A cortege shall then proceed through nearby Wootton Bassett, where hundreds are again expected to line the streets.

Lance Bombardier Hatton, of the 40th Regiment Royal Artillery, died while on foot patrol in the Sangin area of Helmand. He was injured in an initial blast and, while trying to reach a helicopter landing site, was caught in a second.

More than 1,300 people have now joined a special tribute group set up on the Facebook website by Lance Bombardier Hatton’s girlfriend Tasha Chehab and family, with many posting moving tributes to the soldier.

Tasha wrote: “I now know you have gone, but never will I forget you. We are soul mates and you always will be the love of my life. We have memories that will never be forgotten.

“I love you with all my heart my darling Matthew.”

A former school friend said: “I always remember from such a young age you wanted to be in the Army and you followed your passion and lived out your dream.

“You did it so well and you died doing the thing you loved the most. Your courage and hard work will never be forgotten.”

Another soldier, John White, also paid tribute on Facebook, and said a remembrance parade had been held in the city of Laskhar Gah in Helmand yesterday. “You should have seen the turnout,” he said.

“You will be remembered and missed. My thoughts go out to your friends and family, from all the lads in Lash.”

People in Haxby also today paid tribute to Lance Bombardier Hatton, a former pupil of Oaken Grove Primary School and Easingwold School.

Local councillor Richard Watson said: “The whole of Haxby is so very, deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Matthew’s family at this very difficult time and I know the community will want to give them all the support they can.”

He said people in Haxby spoke very highly of the whole Hatton family, and added: “It’s absolutely devastating when something like this happens.”

Local MP Anne McIntosh said: “I give my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Matthew Hatton’s family and obviously all our thoughts are with them at this time.

“We pay tribute and recognise the great debt of gratitude we owe. He will always be remembered for laying down his life and making the ultimate sacrifice.”