BEN WAS ARMY STAR.

THIS is the talented young soldier killed when his helicopter crashed mysteriously in Afghanistan.

Captain Ben BabingtonBrowne, 27, of the 22 Engineer Regiment, was considered one of the most promising officers of his generation. His Canadian Griffon helicopter went down shortly after taking off from a US base in Zabul, north east of Kandahar, on Monday. Two Canadian troops also died.

Yesterday heartbroken mother Nina said: "We are all immensely proud of his achievements in his short life."

Royal Engineers commander Lt Col Andrew Noble called Capt Babington-Browne, of Maidstone, Kent, an outstanding officer. He added: "He had an extremely bright future in the army. Everyone is shocked."

Nato said the accident was not caused by militant fire.He had an extremely bright future in the army. Everyone is shocked LT COLONEL ANDREW NOBLE