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Yorkshire grieves as body of teenage Castleford soldier flown back from Afghanistan VIDEO
A SINGLE Remembrance poppy pinned to a cross was the poignant centrepiece for the scores of floral tributes laid outside the family home of fallen hero Jimmy Backhouse in Castleford.
At the same time the teenage soldier's body was being being flown in to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire with those of seven British servicemen killed in action in Afghanistan in a bloody 24 hours last week.
And after his death on Friday, the depth of feeling in the Airedale community was there for all to see.
So many had taken the time to visit the family home that a mobile canopy had been set up to cover the flowers, cards, pictures and a Union flag which had been lain in memory of the 18-year-old soldier known as "Jimmy."
Former schoolmates at Airedale High School, Castleford have been among the hundreds who have paid tribute to Rifleman Backhouse, who was killed in a double explosion near Sangin in central Helmand, on internet websites.
One, Jodie Lockwood said: "Jimmy, knew you all through school, can't believe what has happened. You were so brave and did our country proud. You died a hero."
Another, Sammie Winchurch, said: "You will always be in are hearts and dreams that star in the sky will tell everybody you're always here looking over this country. You are a true solder and my hero."
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The popular soldier's aunt, Janeen Snaith, said: "The response has been just amazing from people round here.
"Everyone's saying the same. He was a hero before he died and he's a hero now. He never thought of himself before other people."
His uncle, Jason Taylor, added: "I'm calling him our local Castleford hero – because that's exactly what he was. He never put himself first. That was true right until the end."
Rifleman Backhouse was a keen sportsman and particularly loved rugby and running.
He was one of five soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles who were killed near Sangin on Friday.
Three more soldiers lost their lives in other incidents within the same 24 hours.
Rifleman Backhouse has been singled out for his bravery as he was clearing the route ahead for his comrades to follow when he died.
The young soldier's immediate family travelled to Wiltshire yesterday for the repatriation of his body.
People from the local community were expected to join them.
Wakefield Council leader Peter Box led a one-minute silence in memory of James at the cabinet meeting yesterday.
Coun Box, who is also a Castleford councillor, said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with James's family and friends at this sad time.
"His bravery and selflessness in trying to rescue his comrades, regardless of his own safety, show what a fine soldier he was."
"It is a tragedy that he was killed at such a young age. I was personally saddened and shocked by his untimely death."
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 11 February 2012
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Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
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