A Muslim soldier from Birmingham was killed in Afghanistan as he was trying to make a "positive" difference to the world, his brother said yesterday.

L-Cpl Jabron Hashmi (pictured), of the Intelligence Corps, was described as "an extremely caring and generous person" by his brother Zeeshan at the family home in Bordesley Green.

The 24-year-old was six weeks into his active service in Afghanistan when he was killed with fellow soldier, Cpl Peter Thorpe, in an incident in Sangin, Helmand Province, in the south of the country.

Five British troops have now been killed in the region in the past three weeks.

Mr Hashmi, aged 27, said his brother wanted to serve in Afghanistan so that he could pay for a trip to the Hajj pilgrimage at Mecca for his mother.

"In many ways his heart was as good as gold," said Mr Hashmi. "It is so tragic. We will miss him desperately.

"We know that it is one of those things that comes with time. But there will be no way of replacing him.

"We are proud though to have the 24 years that God gave us of his life."

L-Cpl Hashmi, the middle child out of two brothers and three sisters, came to England with his family from the Peshawar region of Pakistan in 1994.

He went to Waverley School in Small Heath, before starting his A levels at Bournville College.

He joined the Army in June 2004, completing his basic training at the Army Training Centre Winchester, before his trade training at the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre at Chicksands, Bedfordshire.

L-Cpl Hashmi was posted to the Royal Signals in January 2006.

Mr Hashmi said his brother was interested in music, reading philosophy and travelling.

He also said he was a committed Muslim who was "proud of his Pakistani background, but equally proud of his British background".

"In terms of religious identity, that was at the core of everything," he added. "I am proud of him, and as a family we are very proud of what he has done. He wanted to make a difference in the world - a difference for good.

"He wanted to use his culture and religious background to contribute and create a better world

"As far as he was concerned - he was a British Muslim, it is as simple as that.

"He was very much looking forward to going to Afghanistan because he thought he could make a positive difference.

"He wanted to create a better understanding between different cultures. He knew he had a different background and he was trained to do something as a soldier.

L-Cpl Jabron upon completion of basic training at ATR Winchester about a year ago

"Because we come from Peshawar, we share the same culture as people from Afghanistan. So in terms of experiences - he knew he could contribute."

Mr Hashmi said his brother had followed in his footsteps by joining the Intelligence Corps, as he had previously served with them for around five years.

He said the last time he had spoken to his brother was a couple of weeks ago, when he was "very excited and passionate about the job he was doing".

L-Cpl Hashmi was killed with Cpl Thorpe, from Cumbria, in the incident on Saturday.

Four other personnel were injured. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Hashmi's commanding officer, said: "Enthusiastic, confident and immensely popular, he displayed all the qualities of a first class soldier. His enthusiasm for the role he had been given was simply outstanding.

"He was brimming with confidence and hugely keen to take part in all the training prior to the operation. A fine young man, his sad loss and that of Cpl Thorpe will be felt by us all."

Defence Secretary Des Browne added: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of those killed in the attack against UK troops in Afghanistan."

Last night, Cpl Thorpe's family were still too distraught to speak about their loss, but commanding officer Lt Col Steve Vickery described him as a "highly motivated, talented and tremendously popular soldier who constantly inspired those around him".

Five soldiers have now been killed in the Helmud Province in the last three weeks. Capt Jim Philippson, aged 29, of 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery died in a firefight with rebels last month.

Last Tuesday two special forces servicemen were killed in the Sangin valley after a patrol was caught in a gun battle with Taliban militia.