Yorkshire Soldier Killed In Afganistan

A British soldier was has been killed by an explosion in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.

The soldier, from 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was on patrol in Babaji when he was killed by an improvised explosive device.

The family of the soldier - who is expected to be named today - has been told.

Lt Col Gordon Mackenzie, a spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: ``We are greatly saddened by the news of this soldier's death.

``We will keep him and his loved ones in our thoughts as we carry on with our important mission. His loss is not in vain.''

The soldier's death takes the number of British personnel who have died since operations began in Afghanistan in 2001 to 385.