His family were at the repatriation and funeral arrangements are currently being made.

Tributes have poured in for Signaller Wayne, of Gipton, who died when the Taliban struck in Kabul.

Hailed a "true hero", Wayne was riding as lookout on the turret of his armoured vehicle when a suicide bomber rammed his convoy in Kabul.

Wayne, of Amberton Lane, died on August 11. He was due home on August 22.

Two comrades from his 16 Signal Regiment were wounded in the attack. His family led the tributes, saying in statement: "Wayne was a much-loved son, grandson, brother and uncle who served his country with distinction and sadly paid the ultimate price."

Wayne's funeral is expected to be held in Leeds sometime next week.

Elsewhere, the city was united in grief, with internet sites awash with tributes.

A group on social networking site Facebook already has more than 500 members, while scores of messages have been posted on Wayne's own Facebook page.

That Facebook page had seen Wayne list his tour of Afghanistan as his proudest accomplishment. It also asks for the Gloria Gaynor's disco classic I Will Survive to be played at his funeral.

Tributes also appeared on the YEP website.

The 21-year-old, a passionate football fan and player, has also been hailed by his beloved Leeds United.

The club held a minute's applause in Wayne's memory before kick-off at last Saturday's home game against Oldham Athletic.

Leeds United's website states: "We were shocked to learn of the death of signaller Wayne Bland, a huge Leeds United supporter, who was killed when a suicide bomber rammed a car into his convoy in Kabul."

You can pay tribute to Signaller Wayne on this website.