THE girlfriend of a soldier killed in Afghanistan told of her “pride and honour” yesterday, as she watched the bodies of five servicemen return home.

Stephanie Orr, 23, took her place among the crowds in Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, for the repatriation of Riflemen Jonathon Allott, 19, who was born in North Shields, North Tyneside, but lived in Bournemouth.

Ms Orr, from Newcastle, wore a green 3 Rifles T-shirt in tribute to Rifleman Allott who had “the face of an angel and a heart of gold,” she said.

She fought back tears surrounded by hundreds of well-wishers lining the streets of the market town to greet the men’s cortege.

Rfn Allott died following a blast from an IED (improvised explosive device) near Sangin, in Helmand province.

“Jonny loved his job. He was proud to be a rifleman and wanted as many medals as he could,” said Ms Orr, his partner of seven months.

“I don’t think they’ve invented words to say how proud and honoured we are.

“He was a brave, charismatic man with the face of an angel and a heart of gold. That’s why he had so many friends. I love him.”

Rfn Allot is survived by his parents, two sisters and two brothers.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, commanding officer of 3 Rifles Battle Group said after his death: “Rifleman Jonathon Allott was an inspirational young man in so many ways.

“His warm and friendly nature endeared him to all whose path he crossed, but belied the streak of steel that ran through him making him a true warrior.”

Also flown home to nearby RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire, yesterday morning were Corporal Richard Green and Liam Maughan, all of 3 Rifles, Corporal Stephen Thompson, of 1 Rifles, who was born in the Cleveland area, and Lance Corporal Thomas Keogh, of 4 Rifles. All died in the space of six days this month.