THE body of a former Whitstable schoolboy who died serving in the Gulf has been flown back to Britain.

Warrant Officer Mark Stratford, 39, was among eight Royal Marines killed when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed.

All were flown back to an RAF base in Oxfordshire for a repatriation ceremony attended by family, friends and senior military officials.

His coffin, draped in a Union Flag, was carried by members of the Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade, behind a Royal Marine band.

WO Stratford's family, who have requested privacy to grieve their loss, released a statement which said he would be greatly missed by everyone.

"The Royal Marines were Mark's life and he was dedicated to the regiment," they said.

" He served in many areas of the world and we know that he thoroughly enjoyed his 20 years with the corps. He had a wonderful life.

"Mark was a professional soldier doing a professional job and was fully supported by his family and friends.

"Our thoughts are also with the families of those who died with him"

WO Stratford attended the Sir William Nottidge School, now the Community College, Whitstable, with his two brothers and sister and also worked briefly in the town before becoming a Royal Marine aged 20. His father Alan, was an accountant.

Inquests into the deaths were opened after the ceremony last week and once the bodies are released the families will be able to hold private burials with full military honours.

Four US servicemen also died when the American Sea Knight helicopter crashed. The mission paved the way for allied troops to take the Al Faw peninsula.