This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/8441124.stm

The article has changed 36 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Soldier killed in Helmand named Soldier killed in Helmand named
(30 minutes later)
The first British soldier killed in Afghanistan this year has been named as Pte Robert Hayes of 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment.The first British soldier killed in Afghanistan this year has been named as Pte Robert Hayes of 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment.
The 19-year-old died in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Nad-e-Ali area in Helmand province on Sunday.The 19-year-old died in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Nad-e-Ali area in Helmand province on Sunday.
His death brings the total number of UK personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 246.His death brings the total number of UK personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 246.
Last year was the bloodiest for UK forces since the Falklands War in 1982, with the final death toll reaching 108.Last year was the bloodiest for UK forces since the Falklands War in 1982, with the final death toll reaching 108.
In a statement, the dead man's parents called their son "brave" and asked for his memory to be honoured.In a statement, the dead man's parents called their son "brave" and asked for his memory to be honoured.
His senior officers said Pt Hayes had made a "real difference" despite having only been in the army for a year. They said they were still coming to terms with their loss.
"However, we are strengthened by the thought that he was with his comrades, doing the job he so dearly loved, when his life was taken," they said.
They said he had been passionate about rugby and boxing and had played for Newmarket Rugby Club and won the battalion boxing championship at welterweight at his first attempt.
He died whilst on patrol in an area that has seen some of the most intense fighting with the insurgents that seek to undermine the Afghan government Lt Col James Woodham
"Robbie loved all aspects of life, in his home village, Burwell, in Cambridgeshire. Among his peers he enjoyed great popularity but found particular happiness with his girlfriend, Gemma," they added.
Pte Hayes was a rifleman with 6 Platoon, C (Essex) Company.
His senior officers said Pte Hayes had made a "real difference" despite having been in the Army for only a year.
His commanding officer, Lt Col James Woodham, said Pte Hayes had been a "trusted member of the team" whose "energy for life was contagious" and who would be remembered for his bravery and sense of humour.
He said: "He died whilst on patrol in an area that has seen some of the most intense fighting with the insurgents that seek to undermine the Afghan government.
"In the past two months, he and his platoon have given their all to deliver a secure environment for the people of Nad-e-Ali in what are some of the most demanding of conditions."