Teenager named as fallen soldier

The teenager was said to be "determined, rigorous and thoughtful"

One of six soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Friday has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Rifleman James Backhouse, from West Yorkshire.

Rifleman Backhouse, of Castleford, died in an explosion near Sangin, Helmand Province, with four colleagues from 2nd Batallion The Rifles.

The 18-year-old, who leaves behind his parents and three brothers, has been described as a "natural soldier".

A 2nd Royal Tank Regiment corporal was also killed in Afghanistan on Friday.

Rifleman Backhouse joined the Army in 2007 and was deployed to Afghanistan in March.

'Utterly selfless'

Lt Col Rob Thomson, commanding officer of 2 Rifles, said: "One of four brothers, Rifleman Backhouse was a natural soldier and this was his first tour."

Col Thomson said the teenager endured "some of the most austere conditions in Sangin" but there was "never a murmur of complaint and he was the sort who simply got on".

"He was a determined, rigorous and thoughtful young man who saw the lighter side of life," Col Thomson said.

"He was utterly selfless and always the first man in his company to welcome new riflemen.

"He is sorely missed and his family are front and centre of our prayers at this unimaginably difficult time."