ROYAL Marines, friends and family gathered to watch the unveiling of a new vessel named after a popular Marine from Christchurch who lost his life in Helmand province.

The Christchurch branch of the Marine Volunteer Service (MVS) dedicated their new patrol boat to Sergeant Luke Taylor, 33, who was shot by a rogue Afghan soldier last year.

Luke’s widow Niki and five-year-old son Roan officially named the boat at Christchurch Quay on Sunday and were taken for a tour of the harbour.

Niki said: “This would mean the world to him.

“There has been such amazing support from the whole community in Christchurch and I think he would see the funny side that a patrol boat had been named after him.”

The new 17ft Wilson Flyer patrol boat was donated by Boatilicious and will be will be used for patrol in the harbour throughout the day and night.

Roan said: “I can’t wait to go on the boat.”

Around 20 Royal Marines came to remember their friend and colleague who was killed at a forward operating base in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, on March 26 last year.

A former colleague, who asked not be named as he is actively serving, said: “Luke was the kind of guy you wanted to have your back.

“He was a cool head and a source of endless banter and fun.”

The Maritime Volunteer Service is a charity funded by voluntary contributions which helps to keep Britain’s maritime skills alive.

A community grant from Dorset Police paid for the new boat’s engine along with money raised from the unit’s Boat Jumble event.

Mark Stapleton, head of the MVS Christchurch unit said: “It was a collective unit decision to name the boat after Luke.

“It seemed like a natural progression because he was local and such a popular member of the community.”