Lance Corporal George Hooley (Image: Ministry of Defence/PA)

A paratrooper who tragically lost his life in Ukraine whilst observing the trial of a new defensive capability was "a born soldier... who made the hard days easy and the good days memorable", according to his company commander.

Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, who was set for promotion to corporal next month, met with a "tragic accident" on Tuesday morning during the observation of Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive system.

The Parachute Regiment serviceman, whose service record includes deployments to Afghanistan , Africa and Eastern Europe, has been remembered as "the glue" and "the laughter within his team", and an individual who demonstrated "a deep kindness and genuine time for everyone".

In a heartfelt trib

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