A SOLDIER from Kirklees killed in a car crash died just three weeks after the birth of his second daughter, his family have revealed.

Rifleman Paul Atkinson, from Dewsbury, died when his car hit a tree on the A1 near Leeming Bar, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, on Saturday.

The 21-year-old had recently served with the 3rd Battalion The Rifles in Iraq.

He leaves a three-week-old daughter, Alyeisha, her sister, Courtney, his fiancée, Rachel, and sister Fiona.

The family has asked that no flowers be bought for his funeral next Monday at Dewsbury Crematorium at 1pm. Instead they ask for donations to be made to 3rd Battalion to help injured soldiers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In a tribute the family said: “Paul loved his job and from a very young age only ever wanted to be a soldier.

“His role in the Army taught him many things and he experienced life in a way very few young people ever could.

“Paul served his Queen and country in Iraq, of which he was extremely proud.”

He played rugby league for Dewsbury Moor and Dewsbury Celtic, where he made many friends.

The family added: “We would like to thank them all for the love and support at this time.

“Paul’s sudden death has left everybody saddened and we are all extremely proud of Paul and everything he achieved in his 21 years.”