A British soldier killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, has been named by the MoD.

Guardsman Jamie Janes, 20, from Brighton, was a member of the 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards.

He died en route to hospital after the blast in Nad Ali District Centre in central Helmand on Monday.

The number of UK troops killed since the start of operations in Afghanistan in October 2001 has now reached 220.

Guardsman Janes leaves behind his girlfriend Kate, three brothers - one of whom is serving in the British Army - two sisters and their mother.

Three of his colleagues were also wounded in the blast, which was followed up by an insurgent ambush, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Army career

Guardsman Janes was born in Stafford but his family moved to Brighton when he was two.

After beginning his Army career at the age of 16, he joined 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards when he was 18.

Lt Col Roly Walker, commanding officer of the Grenadier Guards Battle Group, said they had lost a "friend to all" early in their tour.

"He knew the dangers he would face in Afghanistan but he had the courage to keep soldiering," he said.
"He stood tall amongst his fellow men as an experienced hand who willingly stepped forward to take on the difficult task of clearing routes, and he gave the less experienced soldiers in his section huge confidence.

"He leaves behind a strong impression and his memory will inspire us. I am hugely proud of him, and humbled by his sacrifice."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth praised Guardsman Janes' "exemplary service".
"I was very sorry to learn of the death of Guardsman Jamie Janes, a soldier who, I'm told, had given exemplary service since joining the Army at 16 and had a promising career ahead of him," he said.
"He had already shown his bravery, professionalism and dependability on a previous tour of Afghanistan and was an integral part of his company.
"He also clearly cared deeply about his family and my thoughts are with them at this very sad time."