TRIBUTES were paid today to two British soldiers killed on the same day in Afghanistan.

Corporal Stephen Thompson, 31, from 1st Battalion The Rifles, died as a result of an explosion near Sangin district centre, Helmand province. He was born in Cleveland but lived in Devon.

Lance Corporal Tom Keogh, 24, from 4th Battalion The Rifles, was killed by a gunshot wound during a firefight in Sangin.

Both men died on Sunday, the Ministry of Defence said.

Cpl Thompson, leaves his mother, Carol, father, Peter, brother, Philip, sisters, Claire and Helen, and son, Ewan.

In a statement, his parents said: "We are so very proud of our son Stephen and all that he achieved. He lived life to the full and died doing the job he loved.

"He will be sorely missed by his mum and dad, brother and sisters, his son, Ewan, and all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Always in our hearts."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 Rifles Battle Group, said Cpl Thompson joined the unit about a month ago, having spent two years instructing recruits at Catterick after enlisting with the Army in January 1997.

"Go-getting and committed, he embraced the challenge of operating in one of the most demanding environments, within this most demanding of operational theatres," said Lt Col Kitson.

"Dedicated to his job, his only thoughts were for the effectiveness of his team in bringing a better future for the oppressed people of Sangin."

Second Lieutenant Peter Cay, 2 Platoon Commander, said: "From the first time I met him, Tommo came across as a highly professional soldier who was dedicated to his job."

Major Tim Harris, Officer Commanding A Company 3 Rifles, described him as a leader of men.

"In my dealings with him I recognised the qualities that mark out an outstanding soldier and leader of men - he was courageous, intelligent, compassionate and fiercely loyal," said Maj Harris.

"It is a mark of the mans abilitie's that in only four weeks he had shaped his new section into a well motivated and balanced fighting unit."