A hero paratrooper who died in a bomb blast while trying to save an injured comrade will have his name inscribed on a memorial stone at his former secondary school in Baildon.

Private Martin Bell became the UK’s 350th military fatality in Afghanistan when he died attempting to give first aid to a friend.

He was the victim of a blast from an improvised explosive device after disobeying a direct order not to go to the aid of his friend, for his own safety.

Staff and pupils at Titus Salt School, in Higher Coach Road, yesterday remembered the “lively, dependable and outgoing” former student.

Paying tribute to the fallen soldier on behalf of the school, spokesman Vickie Clayden said: “There are a lot of staff members who remember Martin and his particular year group and what stands out about him is the fact that he was part of a really lively bunch.

“He was well-loved by teaching staff because he participated in school and got on with what he needed to do but with a great sense of fun.”

She said Pte Bell was “a salt-of-the-earth character” and said his Army career fitted his nature. She said: “Giving his life to save someone else was totally within his character.”

Mrs Clayden added: “We have a memorial stone at the school to remember pupils we have lost and his name will be inscribed on that.”

Before attending Titus Salt School, then called Salts Grammar, Mr Bell was a pupil at the then Oakdale First School in Wrose Road, Wrose.

He later went on to become a PCSO for West Yorkshire Police before joining the Parachute Regiment – following in the footsteps of his grandfather George Chivers.

Tributes have continued to flood in since his tragic death during his first tour of duty to Afghanistan.

Messages have been posted on the Telegraph & Argus website from old friends and strangers alike, some from as far afield as the US.

Family members will be among the mourners lining the streets of Wootton Basset in Wiltshire when his body is repatriated next week.

His father Simon Bell, 52, of Brander Close, Idle, said it was a “fantastic tribute” for his son to be remembered on his former school’s memorial stone.

He said: “We are in awe of all the absolutely brilliant things people have had to say about what sort of person he was and how he conducted himself. He left so much of a mark on so many people in such a short life. We have nothing but love for him.”