The body of a Kent soldier shot in Afghanistan is due to be repatriated today.

Captain James Anthony Townley who was born in Tunbridge Wells died on Friday just a day before his thirtieth birthday.

He was wounded during an incident at a Forward Operating Base in Helmand, but this was not thought to have been due to hostile action.

The Captain was on attachment with 21 Engineer Regiment and died just two weeks after he was deployed to Afghanistan.

His body is due to be flown into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire later.

His family described him as "a wonderful, loving and caring son and brother.

"He touched every part of our lives and his loss has left a huge chasm that we can never fill."

Lieutenant Colonel Chas Story, Commanding Officer, 28 Engineer Regiment, said: "James was an exceptional officer, a great character and unbelievably clever.

"The Regiment is devastated that such a bright light has gone out - everyone knew him and it was impossible not to be drawn in by his passion and humour."

It was Captain Townley's third tour of Afghanistan and he had volunteered for all three.

He leaves behind his parents, Peter and Jacqui, his brother, Nick, and girlfriend, Helen.