by Jo Sword

Tributes are being paid to a Kent soldier who died in Afghanistan this week.

Sgt Robert Loughran-Dickson died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained while he was taking part in routine patrol in Helmand Province.

The 33-year-old from Deal was a member of the 4 Regiment, Royal Military Police.

He joined the army in 1997 where be began his military career in the Royal, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers before transferring to the Royal Military Police in 2001.

Sergeant Loughran-Dickson was the proud father of a son, also named Robert, born in September 1992.

His family said he was: "A true hero in many ways.

"He made the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved and was devoted to.

"A beloved father, son, brother and uncle. You lit up our lives and that light will stay bright forever. You will be greatly missed but always loved by all."

Lt Colonel Debbie Poneskis, Commanding Officer, 4th Regiment, Royal Military Police, said: "Sergeant Loughran-Dickson was an exceptional soldier and was completely committed to the Royal Military Police; he will be sorely missed by the Regiment and by the military community.

"He was totally professional, easy company and was the first to volunteer for anything - whether it was helping his colleagues, attending community events out of hours or taking on additional tasks."

Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth MP, said: "I was very saddened to learn of the death of Sgt Robert Loughran-Dickson, a military policeman with 12 distinguished years in the Army behind him.

"My deepest sympathies, of course, lie with Sergeant Loughran-Dickson's family at this terrible time for them."