TWO British soldiers killed by an explosion in southern Afghanistan died trying to save a colleague injured in an earlier blast, the Ministry of Defence said today.

Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton, 23, of 40th Regiment Royal Artillery, from Haxby, North Yorkshire, was wounded along with two colleagues in the initial attack in Sangin, Helmand province, on Thursday.

Captain Mark Hale and Rifleman Daniel Wild, both from 2nd Battalion The Rifles, were carrying him to a helicopter landing zone when there was a second explosion killing L/Bdr Hatton and Rfn Wild, from Easington Colliery, County Durham.

Capt Hale died of his injuries later in hospital at Camp Bastion, the UK's main military base.

The deaths of the three soldiers, who were serving with the Rifles Battlegroup, brought the total UK death toll in Afghanistan to 199.

Lieutenant Colonel Rob Thomson MBE, Commanding Officer 2 Rifles Battlegroup, said Rfn Wild, 19, was "an epic Rifleman who has been right at the very front of our fight here in Sangin.

"He has been fearless and his Platoon adored him for it," he said.

"He was selfless to a fault, everyone else, whatever their rank, came first and his nature was to hunt out the funny side of life.

"He has saved life here because, as point man, he was always on the look out for IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and it is tragic but typical that he died helping to carry a wounded friend to a helicopter landing site for evacuation.

"Rifleman Wild will be sorely, sorely missed but we will never forget his sacrifice."

L/Bdr Hatton, from Easingwold, had wanted to be a soldier from a young boy, his parents Jill and Philip said in a statement.

They said: "Matt always wanted to be a soldier from being very young.

"He passionately enjoyed his job and often talked fondly about his colleagues and friends.

"He was very brave and a credit to both us and the Army. We are really proud of him.

"Matt loved all his family dearly. He was full of fun, mischief and always brought happiness to our days. With a huge heart he touched many lives and will be missed by everyone and remembered forever."

L/Bdr Hatton also leaves girlfriend Tasha Chehab.

The MoD has released no further details about Capt Hale.

There have been eight British fatalities in Afghanistan this month.

Last month 22 UK servicemen died, the highest monthly total since the mission began in October 2001, as operations were stepped up ahead of presidential and provincial council elections on August 20.