Tributes paid to tragic soldier Matt Parkin

The family of soldier Matthew Parkin, who was found dead in woodland in Rotherham last week, have paid a moving tribute to the young dad.

The 21-year-old, who became a father last year, had been reported missing from his home in Thorpe Hesley last Monday, three days before his body was found in land off Brook Hill.

Matthew's parents Ian and Janice, of Birchtree Road, Thorpe Hesley, said that he was a bright child who always wanted to join the army.

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Janice added: “He was very friendly and happy, had loads of friends and loved going out and having a good time.

“He was his mum’s little blue-eyed boy. He could do no wrong by me. His friends came here and slept over, and he would sleep over at his friends’. He was never any trouble.”

Police confirmed that they had found a body in a wooded area last Thursday and that there were no suspicious circumstances.