CITY hero Mark Marshall has become the first soldier in the South West to be given a posthumous award by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

The 29-year-old, who was also a police community support officer in Countess Wear, has been recognised for his bravery in Afghanistan, along with his community work in Exeter, with the Lord Lieutenant's Award for Meritorious Service.

Collecting the award at a ceremony at Exeter's County Hall on his behalf, Mark's mother Lynn told the Echo: "I'm lost for words." And Lieutenant Colonel Tim House, commanding officer of Exeter's TA regiment, 6 Rifles – with which Mark served – described the event as a unique occasion.

Rifleman Marshall was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while leading his comrades on foot patrol near Sangin, Helmand Province, in February.

As previously reported in the Echo, his family were last month presented with the Elizabeth Cross – an award which recognises the loss suffered by the families of fallen servicemen and women.

Mark's family said the soldier had achieved his "ultimate goal" by serving in Afghanistan. And at the award ceremony on Tuesday evening, speaking to the Echo for the first time since his death, Lynn said: "Mark deserved this. It's very special and I'm lost for words.

"It is such an honour to collect this award and the standing ovation in the hall was incredible. I feel so warm and close to Mark."

But she revealed the depth of her loss, and said that she was dreading the first Christmas without him.

"I'm not looking forward to Christmas – it won't be right without him," she said.

"He was so sociable. But the Army have become like a big family to me – they're incredible people. I feel like I have to be strong for them."

And Mark's sister, Jo Dalton, 32, said: "This is a very special award for Mark – this one is for him. It recognises what he did, and he earned it."

Lieutenant Colonel House said: "For this award to be given posthumously is very unusual, if not unique.

"This is a formal recognition of what Mark achieved in his life.

"It is not just the fact he died as a soldier, but also recognises the contribution he made in his civilian life, especially his youth work and what he contributed to the local community."

And presenting the award to Mark's family, the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Eric Dancer, paid tribute to all reservist forces.

"Sadly, this evening we have been reminded that some of our armed forces make the ultimate sacrifice," he said.

"The contribution by reservists has been outstanding.

"The future of volunteer reserves will rely on better integration with the Regulars.

"It's important that the ethos of volunteer reserves should be protected."