Another Norfolk-based soldier has been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of defence has announced. The serviceman, from the Swanton Morley-based Light Dragoons, died in an explosion near Gereshk in Helmand Province last night.

Another Norfolk-based soldier has been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of defence has announced.

The serviceman, from the Swanton Morley-based Light Dragoons, died in an explosion near Gereshk in Helmand Province last night.

It takes the number of UK deaths in the country to seven in a week.

The serviceman was taking part in Operation Panchai Palang, or Panther's Claw, a major assault against the Taliban in the central Helmand river valley ahead of next month's Afghan presidential election.

The soldier's next of kin have been informed.

A MoD spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from The Light Dragoons has been killed in Helmand province yesterday, Tuesday July 7.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lt Col Nick Richardson, said: "This soldier gave his life for the security of his own country and the freedom of the Afghan people; there is no greater sacrifice than this.

'Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go to his family and loved ones."

On Saturday L/Cpl David Dennis, 29, of the Light Dragoons was killed north of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province after securing a helicopter landing site to evacuate wounded soldiers.

He was from Llanelli in South Wales but due to marry his fianc�e who he met in Dereham.

On May 30 L/Cpl Nigel Moffett, 28, of the Light Dragoons was taking part in an operation in Musa Qaleh, scouting a route for his troop, when he was killed in action. He was from Belfast.

The death takes the number of British servicemen and women killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 to 176.