VILLAGERS have lowered a Union Jack to half-mast following the death of a much-loved local in Afghanistan.

Marine Jason Mackie was killed instantly when the vehicle he was travelling in was struck by an explosive device.

The 21-year-old was described as a keen cricketer who was always at the centre of any pranks.

His family, from Bampton, west Oxfordshire, said: “Jason was one in a billion and will be sorely missed by his family and friends and his partner Vic and her family.”

On Saturday, the Union Jack flying over Bampton town hall was lowered, and bells were not rung at a wedding at St Mary’s Church to show respect for the Mackie family.

Stephen Radband, a parish councillor who knew Marine Mackie, joined his mother for prayers at St Mary’s yesterday morning.

He said the flag would remain at half-mast until Marine Mackie’s funeral, and added: “It is a real tragedy. He was a very popular young man. The village is very proud of him.”

St Mary’s vicar, Rev David Lloyd, said: “Everyone is saddened to hear this. Marine Mackie and his family will be mentioned in prayers during our services.”

Martin Cross, youth development officer for Minster Lovell Cricket Club, said the former Burford Community College pupil played for the under-17s side in 2004 and 2005 before playing a number of games for the second and third teams.

He added: “Jason was a good bowler and he was a lovely lad — he will be sadly missed by everyone at the club.

“Everyone here is shocked and our thoughts are with his family.”

In 2005, aged 17, Marine Mackie and his brother Alistair took part in a parachute jump at Weston-on-the-Green, near Bicester, to raise money for their grandmother, who was undergoing cancer treatment.

Their brother Richard took part in a simultaneous jump in South Africa.

Marine Mackie signed up to the Royal Marines in June 2007, and was serving as a Viking All Terrain Vehicle Operator in 3rd Armoured Support Troop in the Basharan area of central Helmand when he died on Thursday.

He had been serving in Afghanistan since November.

A crew mate who was injured in the blast is still receiving medical treatment.

Major Richard Hopkins, Marine Mackie’s Royal Marines commanding officer, described his death as “a bitter blow”.

Major Hopkins said: “Marine Mackie was a colourful, cheerful and enthusiastic young man, who I will always remember for his sense of fun and everlasting grin.

“Marine Mackie was one of ours and we will never let go of his memory.

“My thoughts and those of every member of the group are with his family and girlfriend at this difficult time.”

Defence Secretary John Hutton added: “It is clear from the tributes paid to him by his commanders and comrades that he was a very popular character and a brave young Marine, whose loss will be felt deeply by those he fought beside as well as by his loved ones.

“My thoughts are with them at this terribly sad time.”

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