Vigil for dead British servicemen

The pair died when their vehicle was caught in an explosion

A vigil was due to be held on Thursday for two British servicemen killed in an explosion while on patrol in Helmand province in Afghanistan.

Lt John Thornton, 23, and Marine David Marsh, 22, from Somerset-based 40 Commando, were hit by what is thought to be a roadside bomb.

The Mayor of Taunton Deane, councillor Ken Hayward, said: "My heart goes out to their comrades and families."

A vigil was planned at Norton Fitzwarren Parish Church.

The Reverend Stephen Kivett will host the service and said it would give members of the community a chance to pay their respects.

"It will be time for people to come together and express their grief and sorrow," he said.

He died a hero following his dream and doing the job he loved Lieutenant Thornton's family statement

The MoD said the pair died while conducting a patrol in the vicinity of Kajaki, Helmand province, when the vehicle they were travelling in was caught in an explosion.

Both were given medical treatment at Camp Bastion but died as a result of their wounds.

In a statement the family of Lt Thornton said: "Since the age of 13 John has always wanted to become a Royal Marines Commando.

"He said on many occasions 'I have the best job in the world'. He died a hero following his dream and doing the job he loved."

'Smile on his face'

Marine Marsh had recently moved to Taunton to be with his wife Claire.

"David was a loving and dedicated family man," she said.

"He went though life with a smile on his face, which will continue through our beautiful daughter.

"The Royal Marines was his passion and love, he will always be our hero."

The deaths bring the number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan to 91, all but five of them in the last two years.