COMRADES have paid tribute to a soldier from Kent who was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday.

Dave Wilkinson, 33, of 19 Regiment Royal Artillery, died in a bomb attack while on joint patrol in Helmand province with the Afghan National Army.

The soldiers wounded in the explosion were flown by helicopter to the army hospital at Camp Bastion, but Sgt Wilkinson, from Ashford, was pronounced dead on arrival.

An experienced soldier, who had previously carried out operations in the Balkans and Iraq, Sgt Wilkinson, known to his friends as "Pidge" was described by his fellow soldiers as a highly professional colleague, with a dry sense of humour.

Sgt Dave Cooper said: "I have known Dave for 13 years.

"What I'll miss is his humour, the way he could turn any situation into something absurd, the way that he would take the mickey and produce sarcastic remarks, always at the right time. I'll also miss his professionalism."

His Commanding Officer, Lt Col Will Bramble said: "Sergeant Wilkinson excelled as a soldier. Clearly passionate about his trade, he contributed widely to the Regiment and was held in the highest regard by all those who knew him. His selfless nature and wry wit made him extremely popular.

"His death is a tragic loss that has left a space that is impossible to fill. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rachel, and family. His courage will continue to be an example to all of us."