Tribute to 'an inspirational young man'

TRIBUTES have been paid to an "inspirational" soldier who died in a bomb blast in Afghanistan.

Rifleman Jonathon Allott, 19, of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, based in Edinburgh, was killed on Friday while on foot patrol near Sangin in Helmand Province.

Rfn Allott, from Bournemouth, leaves behind his parents, a sister and two brothers. In a statement, the family said: "He couldn't wait to get home and wear his medal with pride." His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, said: "Jonathon Allott was an inspirational young man.

His warm, friendly nature endeared him to all whose path he crossed, but belied the streak of steel."

Following Rfn Allot's death, two more soldiers died over the weekend. A fellow 3 Rifles serviceman was killed on Saturday, and last night the MoD announced the death of a British soldier from A Company 4 Rifles, part of the 3 Rifles Battle Group