The father of a British soldier killed by a mine explosion in Afghanistan says he's very proud of his son.

L Cpl James Johnson, of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who are based at Howe Barracks, Canterbury, was part of a vehicle checkpoint patrol when he died in the blast on Saturday.

He was Scottish, but was raised in Chatham.

His father Lawrence Johnson said: "I am very proud of my son for being a soldier.

"It was his life. He always wanted to be in the Army since he was a small boy. He loved it."

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L Cpl Johnson's CO, Lt Col David Richmond, who is himself recovering in hospital in Birmingham after being shot in the leg in Afghanistan, said: "L Cpl Johnson was one of our stars for the future.

"His death is a tragedy and his loss is felt by the entire battalion. We have lost one of our best; a true air assault infantryman, a gentleman, friend and colleague with spark, wit and courage.

"The courage and commitment that he showed every day in Helmand Province has been an inspiration to us all."

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L Cpl was engaged to Bernadette Broadley and had a daughter, Shannon.

Miss Broadley said: "He was my best friend and my fiancée.

"I am very, very proud of him being a brave soldier. I want him to be remembered for who and what he was."

L Cpl Johnson was killed when he stepped on the mine while on patrol in Lashkar Gar.

An MoD spokesman said he was part of a vehicle checkpoint patrol when it "received a report of a rocket-propelled grenade attack on a civilian aircraft".

He added: "When investigating this they dismounted their vehicles and what is believed to have been a legacy anti-personnel mine detonated, killing the soldier instantly."

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Canterbury MP Julian Brazier said he had been sad to hear of the death of L Cpl Johnson.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the soldier’s family,” he said.

“The sacrifice he made and that of over 100 young men and women in Afghanistan should give us all pause for thought.”

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders are the 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

See tributes to L Cpl Johnson on the Ministry of Defence website