Books of condolence in memory of Guardsman Chris

BOOKS of condolence have been opened in two village churches for friends to record their memories of Guardsman Chris King, 20, who died in Afghanistan last week. News of his death devastated people in Swimbridge, Landkey and in West Buckland, where Chris

BOOKS of condolence have been opened in two village churches for friends to record their memories of Guardsman Chris King, 20, who died in Afghanistan last week.

News of his death devastated people in Swimbridge, Landkey and in West Buckland, where Chris lived with his teacher father, Dave. His mother, Christine, lives in Barnstaple.

Yesterday (Tuesday), members of the family were travelling to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire where the young soldier's body was being repatriated.

A funeral service will be held at a date to be fixed in St Peter's Church, West Buckland, a stone's throw from the family home.

This week, the Rector of Swimbridge and West Buckland, the Rev Preb Peter Bowers placed books of condolence in both village churches.

"There is widespread sadness in the villages at the death of Chris King," Mr Bowers said. "People will be able to write down their personal memories of Chris and leave messages for his family's comfort in this time of their grief."

Guardsman King died last Wednesday while serving on operations in Helmand Province. He was part of a team responsible for the protection of vehicle patrols, a job which involved checking that vulnerable points were clear of danger.

He was on foot doing this when an improvised explosive device went off, killing him instantly.