Tributes Paid To Soldier

Tributes have been paid to a British servicemen from Norwich who was killed while on patrol in Afghanistan.

Private Lewis Hendry, from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was said by his parents to have had a "true heart of gold'' and a smile which "lit up every room he walked into''.

Private Conrad Lewis, from 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was also killed - he was described by his family as someone who "made you feel good about life''.

The Ministry of Defence said the men were shot while on patrol in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province on Wednesday.

Pte Hendry and Pte Lewis were on a foot patrol designed to reassure the local population and gather census information in a small village north of the Nahr-e Bughra Canal.

The patrol came under fire and, during the ensuing firefight, Pte Hendry suffered a serious gunshot wound. He was given medical attention at the scene and then moved by helicopter but died of his wounds.

Pte Hendry, who would have celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday, was born in Norwich and was educated at Northgate High School in Dereham. He joined the Army in May 2008 and was deployed to Afghanistan in October.

The MoD said he was an intelligence specialist who used "his considerable charm and sense of humour'' to build relationships with the Afghan people.

In a statement, his family said: "Lewis lived life to the full - and more! Words can't describe how much he will be missed. He was not only a soldier, a son, brother and grandson but a friend to all. He was proud to be a member of the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. Loved by so many and will never be forgotten.''

His parents, who the Mod said did not want to be named, added: "So proud of him, his smile lit up every room he walked into. A true heart of gold and such a lovely boy to be around!''