Tributes have been paid to soldier serving with a regiment based in Folkestone who has been killed in action in Afghanistan.

Rifleman Yubraj Rai, aged 28, enlisted into the Army in 1999. He was stationed in Folkestone for about two-and-a-half years and left the town for Afghanistan two months ago.

Former Gurkha soldier and Folkestone councillor Dhan Gurung said: “He was a very hard worker, a very helpful person and a very good person.

“We are all in shock. He is the first Gurkha from Folkestone to die in the frontline in Afghanistan, although many others have been injured.”

Rifleman Rai was killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan on Tuesday afternoon.

He received a gunshot wound while working alongside a fellow Gurkha and died from his wounds despite receiving immediate medical treatment.

A member of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles, he was taking part in a joint International Security Assistance Force/Afghan National Security Forces operation in the Musa Qala area of Helmand province.

Gordon Brown paid tribute to Rifleman Rai during Prime Minister’s questions.

Major Ross Daines, Commander of B Company, 2nd Battalion, the Royal Gurkha Rifles, said: “Rifleman Yubraj died as he lived his life, selflessly and with great humility. After deployment to Musa Qala he volunteered to be a member of 5 Platoon, a job that involved frequent patrolling in dangerous areas. He chose this role when he could have easily avoided being so close to the action. This willingness to do the hard graft and share danger was his hallmark.

“The death of Rifleman Yubraj is a great sadness and one that will not pass easily. He was a fine man and I miss him already.”

Second Lieutenant Ollie Cochrane, Platoon Commander, said:

“Rifleman Yubraj volunteered to return to 5 Platoon after three years as the B Company storeman. He was a trusted and well respected member of the platoon. He was liked by all, cheerful and always smiling cheekily. He was a great friend to all those who he worked with. He was an excellent soldier, uncomplaining and professional in all he did. He died at the front doing the job he loved, acting with bravery and courage. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.”

Lance Corporal Gajendra Rai and Lance Corporal Sunil Rai, who both served alongside Rifleman Rai, wrote: “Dear friend Yubraj, you are our best friend, we will never forget you. We used to go everywhere with you. We shared our thoughts no matter how difficult the days were. We are proud to have been your friend, you are the one who inspired us to be brave men like you.

“We will remember the day that we all spent the whole night talking about our futures, but you broke your promise, you have left us forever. But we are proud of you and what you did for us, your family and for the Queen. Thank you for being our very best friend, we will always remember you.”

Folkestone’s 2RGR are in Afghanistan as one of the Force Protection troops for the Commando Logistic Regiment, deployed as part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.

The Logistic Regiment is based in Camp Bastion and is responsible for running the hugely complex combat logistic patrols, which deliver supplies and kit to the UK troops stationed in various parts of Helmand province.