TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Southampton student, described as an “exceptional” Army officer, who was killed in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Andrew Chesterman, 26, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, was shot by insurgents in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province on Thursday.

Medics at a hospital in Camp Bastion battled to save his life, but he died from his injuries.

Lt Chesterman, pictured, from Guildford, studied mechanical engineering at the University of Southampton before moving on to the Britannia Royal Navy College in Dartmouth and then the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

His father, Paul, said that they had lost a “fine young man”.

He added: “It was readily apparent that Andrew gave himself fully and wholeheartedly to his career in 3 Rifles.

“At a Battalion dinner shortly before Op Herrick 16, I was proud to see his easy, close and well accepted rapport with his fellow young officers.

“Andrew was accomplished in many areas.

“He developed a skill to play both the trombone and piano, graduated with a masters degree in engineering, qualified as a mountain leader, enjoyed working as team yacht-racing and was proficient on skis.

“His family are immensely proud of him and will carry him very dearly in their hearts.”

Lt Chesterman leaves behind his father and two sisters, Anna and Olivia.