Rifleman Philip Allen trained at Catterick, Yorkshire, after joining the Army in the spring of this year and went to Sangin shortly after passing out from training.

Yesterday he was described as a "shining prospect for the future" after being killed in an explosion on Saturday while serving with A Company, 4th Battalion the Rifles.

His death is part of a steep escalation of casualties among British troops serving in Afghanistan and brings this year's death toll to 95.

So far a total of 235 service personnel have been killed since British forces moved into Afghanistan

Many have been killed by improvised bombs detonated as troops pass, rather than in direct combat with the Taliban.

Rifleman Allen, 20, was from Dorset and attended school in Dorchester before joining the Army.

He was part of a platoon on ground clearance duties and providing security to the Afghans.

At the time of his death – after an improvised explosive device was detonated – he was working within a fire support group.

Rifleman Allen's mother, Karen Charman-Allen, said: "I would like to thank all of the soldiers who have served with and knew Phil. He was proud to have been a soldier in 2 RIFLES and to have served on tour with them in Afghanistan."

Rifleman Allen also leaves a fiancée, Kirsty.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES, said: "His youthful exuberance made him immediately likeable to those who he worked with and his ability made him a valued member of a tight knit team.

"A loyal friend, a committed Rifleman and a strong and capable soldier all made him a shining prospect for the future."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "I was very saddened to learn of the death of Rifleman Philip Allen, a young soldier who had achieved so much and impressed so many people during his brief time in the Army. His death cuts short what his commanders tell me would have been a successful career and very bright future in the Armed Forces.

"My thoughts and sympathies are with Rifleman Allen's family, friends and colleagues."

Rifleman Allen's friends said his tendency to moan led to him being given the nickname Victor Meldrew, the character in the TV show One Foot in the Grave.

Rifleman Andrew Mallett, Fire Support Group Platoon, said he got to know him at Catterick.

"He was a very talkative person and was always at hand if need be," he said. "He got the nickname 'Victor Meldrew' by the end of training as he did like to have a good moan about this and that.

"All said and done, Phil was a top soldier, he was extremely professional in all that he did. He will be truly missed."

Rifleman Liam McNulty, also in the Fire Support Group Platoon, said: "Phil was a very good mate and good work colleague; he was both mentally fit and physically determined.

"He died doing what he loved and was proud to be a Rifleman. He was a dedicated family man and always talked about his fiancee Kirsty, how he couldn't wait to get home to see her.

"He always spoke of how he would surprise his family by just turning up at Christmas after finishing his tour of Afghanistan," he said.

Meanwhile, a Guardsman has been back on the same road where his Mastiff armoured vehicle was blown up three weeks previously at Lashkar Gah in Helmand.

Guardsman Steven Cooper, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was at the wheel .

The 20-year-old, from Long Eaton near Nottingham, said the spot was well known for attacks.

"We thought we were past the danger spot when 'boom'

"It all happened so fast. At first you don't even realise what's going off."