AN inquest has heard Bampton marine Jason Mackie died in the biggest bomb blast his comrades had ever seen in Afghanistan.

Marine Mackie, 21, died on May 14, 2009, while commanding the lead vehicle of a five strong convoy.

He died of blast injuries, the inquest at County Hall heard today.

Oxfordshidre Coroner Nicholas Gardiner said the marine's Viking armoured vehicle was "not perfect" but insurgents would step up their attacks when stronger vehicles are introduced.