A SOLDIER from Kent killed by a roadside bomb in southern Iraq "was proud to be a soldier and died doing the job that he loved," say his family.

Stephen Manning, 22 from Erith, near Dartford, died alongside Donal Meade, 20, on Monday as a result of wounds sustained during a patrol near Az Zubayr, 30 miles south of the Shia city of Basra. Both were members of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

In a statement, Fusiler Manning's family said: "Stephen was a loving son and grandson who will be deeply missed. He was proud to be a soldier."

Major Thorp said Fusilier Manning had volunteered to be with C Company for six months and would have then rejoined D Company "for a bright future and life with the Battalion in Cyprus".

Maj Thorp said that it was typical of his "love of his profession and dedication that he had volunteered to deploy with C Company to Iraq in April".

He added: "Above all, his many friends in the Company and across the Regiment remembers his generousity of spirit, and his cheerfulness. The thoughts and prayers of the whole Company are with his family and friends at this terrible time."

The commanding officer of the 2nd Regiment Royal Fusiliers, Lieutenant Colonel John Whitwam, also offered his condolences.

He said: "The whole of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers mourns the tragic loss of these two fine young men."

He added that both soldiers "understood the dangers but were proud to be soldiers and recognised that they were doing a difficult, occasionally thankless, but always worthwhile, job."