A Midlands soldier who was killed in southern Afghanistan celebrated his birthday just days earlier, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Private Jeff Doherty and Lance Corporal James Bateman and Private Jeff Doherty, both from 8 Platoon of C (Bruneval) Company, 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, were on a routine foot patrol near their base in the Upper Gereshk Valley, Helmand Province, when they came under Taliban fire on Thursday.

Pte Doherty was born in Coventry and lived at the family home in Southam, Warwickshire.

He celebrated his 20th birthday just four days beforethe attack.

Pte Doherty joined the Parachute Regiment in March 2006 and his deployment to Afghanistan was his first operational tour.

He was described as exceptionally fit and strong with an infectious sense of humour.

Lance Corporal James ‘Jay’ Bateman, 29, grew up in Staines, Middlesex, and was a fervent West Ham supporter.

Their deaths mean five soldiers from 2 Para, based in Colchester, Essex, have died in Afghanistan this week, while the total number of British service personnel killed in the country since the start of operations in November 2001 has risen to 102.