A British soldier was killed by an explosion in southern Afghanistan today , according to the Ministry of Defence. His death took the number of British troops who have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 299.

The soldier who died this afternoon was from the Royal Dragoon Guards, and was guarding his comrades when hit by the blast in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand, north of the provincial capital Lashkar Gah.

Fourteen British soldiers have been killed in Helmand over the past month, half of them by small arms fire, indicating that insurgents have a ready supply of guns and ammunition.

In recent weeks the majority of British military fatalities have been the result of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted near roads and paths.

The latest MoD figures show that attacks on British and US soldiers have increased after the opium poppy harvest. British and US military commanders have warned about a high level of casualties in southern Afghanistan over the coming summer and autumn months.

Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, spokesman for Taskforce Helmand, paid tribute to the soldier killed today. He said: "He was providing security for a patrol that was conducting a clearance operation when tragically he was struck by an explosion.

"He died doing his duty. He was a courageous and dedicated soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice. He will be greatly missed."