A NORTH YORKSHIRE soldier has today been named as the latest victim of the war in Afghanistan.

Serjeant Phillip Scott, who was born in Malton, was killed in an explosion in northern Helmand province yesterday.

The 30-year-old father-of-two had joined the Army in 2001 and was part of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, where his platoon was involved in a clearance operation in the town of Sangin aimed at increasing security for local people and preparing the ground for further operations.

Known as 'Scotty', the gamekeeper's son - who lived in Edinburgh - was described by the Ministry of Defence, which said he was killed by an improvised explosive device, as "a natural soldier - fit, robust and with an in-built feel for the countryside", who was "well-liked and respected among those he worked with and for".

His wife Ellen has paid tribute to her husband, who leaves a three-year-old daughter, Ellie, and a year-old son, Michael, saying: "My husband was a very brave man, loved by all his family and a very dear husband and father".

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer of 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said: "Serjeant Scott was the most professional of soldiers, the toughest of men and the gentlest of friends.

"Naturally charming and disarmingly polite, he was considerate and compassionate to the core. He was an inspiration and a mentor to all those he led in training and on the field of battle."

• The spelling Serjeant is correct for the regiment.