The 418th soldier to die in Afghanistan has been named as L/Cpl James Ashworth, 23, from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, from Kettering, Northamptonshire.

His commanding officer said L/Cpl Ashworth had died trying to protect his colleagues.

Capt Mike Dobbin, commander of Reconnaissance Platoon, Nijmegen Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, said:

“He was killed while fighting his way through compounds; leading his fire team from the front, whilst trying to protect his men and he showed extraordinary courage to close on a determined enemy. His professionalism under pressure and ability to remain calm in what was a chaotic situation is testament to his character.

“L/Cpl Ashworth was a pleasure to command and I will sorely miss his calming influence on the battlefield. Softly spoken, he stepped up to every task thrown in his direction.