Bomb kills Iraq hero.

Byline: Liz Walker

The devastated family of a former Teesside soldier killed while guarding American troops in Iraq today paid tribute to their brave hero.

Newly-wed Noah Stephenson, who served in the Parachute Regiment and was a member of the Red Devils free-fall display team, died when the convoy he was protecting struck a roadside bomb.

The 29-year-old, from Redcar, was working for a private security firm guarding American troops when the incident happened at around 10am local time on Wednesday. His death came the day before his daughter Lottie's third birthday and a week before the 21st anniversary of the day his father, Les, was killed in an accident at Boulby Pot Ash Mine.

His older brother, Jay Stephenson, also of Redcar, said: "We are all devastated. I just feel numb.

"When I think of the memories of my little brother I want to smile. But then I think how he has been taken away from us, then I feel robbed."

Noah's wife Susie, who lives in Wiltshire with his daughter and two step-children, received the devastating visit from the Foreign Office on Wednesday night.

Jay, 32, said: "They were in a three-van convoy. They used to take it in turns to drive at the front, as that was the most at risk. This time it was Noah's turn. They went over a roadside bomb and that was it."

In a tragic irony Noah recently posted a message on Friends Reunited about "dodging bombs" in his new job.

The message read: "I'm happy! I have just recently been married and I have now left my easy life in the Army Red Devils and have now started working in Iraq doing security work!! It's not the best job in the world but it pays well and I just have to dodge a few bombs and bullets so I can come home and spend it!!!"

Jay told how adventure-loving Noah joined the Parachute Regiment at the age of 17 and saw active duty in Iraq.

He also became a member of the elite Red Devils, the regiment's free-fall display team, which impressed crowds at venues from Wembley Stadium to Sunderland Airshow.

But after 12 years in the Army, by which time he had reached the rank of Lance Corporal, he decided to follow in the footsteps of many other soldiers and landed a job with a private security company in Iraq, guarding high profile American generals.

Before he left in May this year, he married partner Susie in a quick private ceremony. The couple then had a blessing with family and friends just a month ago.

Jay, who works for a catering equipment company, said: "He knew it was dangerous, but it was also good money. All he wanted was to get the money to buy a house for his wife and kids. He said he'd just do it for a couple of years, not push his luck.

"But in the last few weeks he hadn't been as happy with things. He'd seen someone else killed by a bomb and had said he thought the troops shouldn't be there anymore. They were just getting picked off one by one."

He added: "People should know what happened to Noah and the others. They are doing an important job out there. It shouldn't be forgotten."

Noah, a former West Redcar School pupil, who also leaves behind his mother Raven, brothers Billy and Roman and sister Judith, will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life and passion for his job.

Jay said: "Being in the Army was what he always wanted to do and he was very passionate about being in the Red Devils. He was also a real family man. It's all just too much to take in at the moment."

His body is now in Kuwait before being flown back to England.