Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a Lincoln soldier killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

Captain Dan Shepherd (28) died while trying to defuse an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Nad-e-Ali district in Helmand Province.

He has been hailed as "unbelievably courageous" and "unflappable in the face of danger" by a commanding officer.

Capt Shepherd was serving with the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, a special explosives team, when the insurgents' home-made bomb went off.

Capt Shepherd leaves his wife Kerry, devoted parents David and Judith and his brother Paul.

His heartbroken wife said she was very proud of him.

"He was doing what he loved. I have not just lost a husband but a best friend too and he will be missed by everyone," said Mrs Shepherd.

Another member of his team suffered minor injuries in the blast on Monday. Capt Shepherd is the 18th person in the armed forces to be killed by hostile action in Afghanistan so far this month.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex said: "With a calm and confident air that belied his age, Dan was the man you would want with you in a difficult situation.

"He always led from the front and I know his soldiers would have followed him anywhere. The regiment has been shocked and saddened by his tragic death.

"Dan was a brave, selfless commander of men who I class to be among the best I have ever worked for."

Capt Shepherd, who went to North Kesteven School, joined a select group of bomb disposal operators in December 2008. He had graduated from officer training at Sandhurst in 2003.

Former teacher Pat Coates, who worked at All Saints' Primary School in Moor Lane, North Hykeham, said he was a charming boy.

"I watched his progression with pride. He had a very big personality and will be sadly missed," she said.

For more tributes, see Thursday's Echo.