TRIBUTES have been paid to a war hero from Neilston after he died at the age of 39.

David Timmins lost an eye and suffered horrific internal injuries as a result of an explosion in Afghanistan while he was taking part in Operation Panther’s Claw in July 2009.

He was later awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal for saving a badly-injured comrade just days earlier and for his work defusing Taliban mines.

The highly-respected Lance Corporal was a member of the Royal Logistic Corps' Explosive Device Disposal Team 5 – celebrated as ‘The Famous Five’ for their impressive record of dismantling deadly devices.

Barrhead News:

David, who was found dead at his parents' home in Neilston on January 6, has been described as "a real-life superhero."

Matt Drennan, of the Neilston War Memorial Association, said: “Neilston has lost one of its brave military heroes.

"David won the Queen's Gallantry Medal for saving one of his comrades in action. He helped his colleague and friend and, only days later, he himself lost his right eye and hearing in his right ear, as well as suffering 22 further injuries, when a roadside bomb went off as he and his team tried to defuse it.

"Our thoughts are with his family, including parents Steven and Cathy. It is so sad to hear.”

A fundraising drive set up in David's honour has already generated more than £1,000.

The money will be used to create a memorial garden and tribute bench where loved ones can remember him fondly.

Visit here if you would like to donate.