Tributes have been paid to a Gurkha killed in Afghanistan while building a vital shelter to protect troops.

Maidstone-based Sapper Ishwor Gurung, from 69 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment, was killed by insurgents in south west Helmand province, on Friday, August 13.

It was his first operational tour of Afghanistan.

The 21-year-old was attached to 21 Engineer Regiment and had been constructing a barricade to protect soldiers at forward operating base Shahzad when his troop came under attack.

Sapper Ishwor was caught by insurgent fire and despite the best efforts of his troop was killed in action.

Tributes have been paid by his family, fellow soldiers and the Defence Secretary.

His family has described him as caring and bright. In a statement they said: “He loved the army and was very proud to be a Gurkha. I am proud he served in the British Army and that he died doing a job that he loved.

“He was a very caring and a very bright boy. He followed his father’s footsteps, his father was a soldier in the Indian Army.”

Sapper Ishwor has been described as a popular soldier who was also an outstanding sportsman. He represented 36 Engineer Regiment in cross country competitions and boxed for his squadron.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Hulme, commanding officer 36 Engineer Regiment, said: “He was immensely talented as a soldier, a sportsman and an individual. He set the example for his comrades to follow.

“He was active in all that he did, thoughtful for those around him and incredibly loyal. His service within the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, although short, will never be forgotten; he has left his mark on all that he did and on all those that he met. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his mother and family at this difficult time.”

Sapper Ishwor’s death has been mourned at the highest level of the Ministry of Defence, with Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox calling it a sad loss.

He said: “Sapper Ishwor Gurung was an outstanding young soldier. He was held in high regard by his fellow soldiers as courageous, loyal and honourable in his work, which was vital to our operations in Afghanistan.

“His death is a sad loss to the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, and my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”

The death of Sapper Ishwor comes only a matter of weeks after the death of Sapper Mark Smith from Swanley, who also served with Maidstone's 36 Engineer Regiment.

The 26-year-old died while serving with the Counter-IED Task Force in Helmand.