The British High Commissioner has met with the mother of the 24 year old Soldier who died in Afghanistan on New Years day this afternoon to pay his condolences.

Mac McLachlan said that he was able to pass on their sincere condolences to Private Joseva Vatubua's family members following this sad event.

McLachlan said Vatubua was a great soldier and sportsman and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

He said Private Vatubua was much admired and respected by his peers, and his loss is deeply felt.

He said their thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this time.

Private Joseva Vatubua has become the first soldier serving in Afghanistan to lose his life in the line of duty in 2011.

Private Vatubua, who had been serving with the 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, targeting enemy positions north of Saidabad Kalay, died on operations in the Helmand province.

According to BBC News, his commanding officer Lt Col Adam Griffiths paid tribute to Vatubua who was nicknamed "Big Joe", saying he approached everything with an infectious sense of humour.

He added that Vatubua was at his best on operations and it was always a wonderful sight to see the mountain of a man surrounded by children when on patrol.

Having grown up in Fiji, Private Vatubua joined the British army in 2007 and went on to represent the force at rugby sevens.

The Vatubau family is still trying to come to terms with their loss.

Speaking to Fijivillage News Joseva's mother Raijeli Vatubua said she spoke to her son early on New Years morning before he went out on patrol.