An inquest will begin today into the death of a serviceman who died in hospital in the UK after he was injured in a blast in Afghanistan.

Richard Hollington was evacuated back to Britain after he was wounded in the Sangin district while serving with the 40 Commando Royal Marines on the afternoon of June 12.

The marine, from Steep, near Petersfield, was taking part in a reassurance patrol when he was caught in the blast.

The 23-year-old, who was known as Dickie, was evacuated to hospital where his condition was described as critical and was later transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where he died eight days later on June 20.

In a statement released after his death, his family said: ''Richard will leave a huge numbing hole in the lives of his family, friends and Royal Marine colleagues.

''The saying goes 'It is better to live one day as a lion than your whole life as a worm'. He chose to live his days as a lion and to us, and we believe his friends, he was the biggest, if softest, lion in the pride - how proud of him we all are.''

Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, commanding officer 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin, said the serviceman was ''one of my finest''.

He said: ''He was bright, intrepid, determined and full of character; he was very much at the heart of 11 Troop. A very talented footballer and magnificent marine, he had a lot to be proud of, yet I knew him to be an affable, generous, loyal and modest young man. He was gregarious and well-humoured, and in the privations of life in Sangin, he was invaluable.

''It takes extraordinary courage to be at the front of every patrol but Marine Hollington did so with the professional pride that gave confidence to others. He was a strong and resilient man with an immense personality. He was one of life's greats and will be sorely missed by all in 40 Commando.''

The inquest is being held at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall at 10am.