WHILST it is, of course, tragically sad that another soldier has lost his life in Afghanistan, it is a little surprising to recall that this is the first fatality since May.

For too long we had repatriation ceremonies seemingly every other week and so hopefully the passing of time without a fatality has not dulled the desire of county residents to stand at the roadside and show our respects for this man’s sacrifice.

Truly, this close to Remembrance Sunday, we can never forget.