The parents of a Folkestone-based solider who died 18 months after being injured in Afghanistan have said they are "immensely proud" of their only beloved son.

Rifleman Sachin Limbu, from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, was wounded when he was caught in an improvised explosive device blast in June 2010.

The 23-year-old died from complications as a result of his injuries on Monday surrounded by his family.

Colleagues described Rfn Sachin, from Nepal, as representing "everything that is good" about Gurkha soldiers.

Rfn Sachin's father Dillisher Limbu, a retired Gurkha soldier, said: "My wife and I are immensely proud of our only beloved son who has sacrificed his life for the good of others.

"Sachin was our only son and we both extend our sincere thanks to all the staff at The New Queen Elizabeth hospital and Brigade of Gurkhas who have supported us all so closely."

Lt Col David Robinson, Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said: "He had shown remarkable tenacity to overcome these injuries and had been an absolute credit to his regiment and his country; he made us all extremely proud to call him a brother in arms.

"Rifleman Sachin's sacrifice has prevented him from fulfilling a rewarding career but his inspiring determination not to succumb to his injuries for so long was in the true sprit of those Gurkhas who have gone before him.

"He was highly cherished and loved by his fellow Gurkhas and left his mark on all those that had the honour to meet him."

Lt Col Gez Strickland said: "Rifleman Sachin Limbu has touched many of our lives. On operations in Afghanistan he represented everything that is good about our Gurkha soldiers.

"He was diligent, supportive to his friends and committed to what he was doing. He had a firm place in his Company and was counted as one of a select few. Since his injury a year and a half ago, he was nothing short of inspirational.

"Rifleman Sachin's inspiring determination not to succumb to his injuries for so long was in the true sprit of those Gurkhas who have gone before him."

Rfn Sachin joined the Brigade of Gurkhas in 2007 before being deployed to Afghanistan as a machine gunner.

On June 24, 2010 he was on patrol when he was caught in an explosion from a hidden improvised explosive device.

He was evacuated to Selly Oak via Camp Bastion but died in the New Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham,on Monday surrounded by his family.

Last year, Rfn Sachin was presented with his Afghan campaign service medal on his hospital ward.

His inquest is due to be held today in Birmingham.