A YOUNG Leigh soldier has been killed on a peace-keeping patrol in Bosnia.

Gunner Christopher William Smith (pictured) died instantly when his Warrior armoured vehicle careered off a mountain road in Glamoc.

Gentle giant 6ft 5in Christopher, aged 20, who had recently become engaged, was on operational duties in the turret of the vehicle. The driver and a lieutenant were uninjured.

A member of the 3rd Royal Horse Artillery based in Germany, Christopher, a former Bedford High Schoolboy, is the son of Gary and Susan Smith, of Westleigh.

He has a brother, Ian, and sister, Nicola.

On Sunday, Christopher's body was flown back to RAF Lyneham where it was met by his family with full military honours.

Next Tuesday, a military funeral will be held at Overdale.

Dad, Gary, said: "Despite being so big he loved children. He was a gentle giant. He was halfway through a nursery nursing course before he changed his mind about his career and decided to join up.

"He had been a member of the Army Cadets in Leigh for a few years.

"He met his fiancee, Karen, in Harrogate and they were hoping to set up their own nursery together when he left the Army.

"He played a bit of basketball and rugby at school."

A regimental spokesman told The Journal: "Christopher was performing a valuable task as part of the peace-keeping force in Bosnia. He was always a very happy and smiling lad."

The Leigh coroner has been informed.

Family flowers only have been requested, but donations in Chris's memory will be divided between children's charities.

Cheques should be made payable and sent to the Co-operative Funeral Service, Mincing Lane, Blackburn, BB2 2EB.

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