THE body of missing Thanet serviceman, Lt Marc Lawrence, has been found by a minesweeper in the Gulf.

The 26-year-old was one of six servicemen killed in a helicopter crash on March 22. Family and friends gathered for a memorial service at St Saviours Church, Westgate, near Margate, in April but no funeral could be held until his body was found.

Lt Lawrence’s body is to be brought home shortly. He is the last of the 34 British servicemen killed in the conflict to be returned home.

Lt Lawrence’s family have been informed of the discovery and said, through an MOD spokesman, that they were relieved he had been found.

The former Chatham House and Garlinge Juniors schoolboy was due to be married next year and make his home in Cornwall where he was based.