A SOLDIER serving with the SAS based in Hereford has died in a helicopter crash in Iraq.

Staff Sergeant Mark Lawrence Powell was named by the Ministry of Defence as being in the Parachute Regiment, but he has been linked to the SAS for some years.

Sgt Powell, described by his commanding officer as an exemplary soldier, was 37 and lived in Hereford with his wife, Kate, and their baby daughter. He was killed, together with 27-year-old RAF Sergeant Mark McLaren, of Ashington, Northumberland, when two Puma helicopters collided and came down north of Baghdad.

Four other servicemen in the same aircraft were hurt, two seriously.

At the SAS headquarters at Credenhill, the regiment is mourning the death of a colleague in its own private way.

The commanding officer said Sgt Powell, who was born in South Wales and joined the Parachute Regiment in 1990, was an exemplary combat leader, soldier, father, husband, and friend.

"He was dedicated to his family, his men, his mission and his country," he said.

"In the finest traditions of the Army and his regiment, he was utterly selfless - never shrinking from danger, effort or hard service in the pursuit of his missions. His loss is tragic and keenly felt by all. But his example to others will be sure to endure and inspire us all for years to come. Our thoughts now are with his family and his comrades." Many in Hereford have expressed their sympathy at his death, quietly adding their support for his family and his colleagues.

The CO had recently spoken of his gratitude for the way in which the county's people helped provide protection and support to the regiment.

The SAS will make arrangements for Sgt Powell's body to return to Hereford this week and a military funeral is to be held.

Defence Secretary Des Browne has expressed sadness at the death of the two service personnel in Iraq. "Each tragic incidence of this type is another reminder of the daily risks our servicemen and women face in the course of their important duties," he said.

Both Puma helicopters involved in the mid-air collision were from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.

Mr Browne said they were taking part in a routine operational flight north of Baghdad and reports indicated that the crash was an accident and not as the result of an attack.

The deaths bring the total number of British service fatalities in Iraq to 142.