A soldier killed in an explosion while on patrol in southern Afghanistan will be named on Wednesday, a report said.

The soldier, from 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, was killed Monday on a foot patrol in the Nad Ali area of Helmand Province, the Press Association said MoD said.

The death brings to 220 the number of British troops who have died since operations against the Taliban extremists began in October 2001. Of these, at least 188 were killed as a result of hostile action.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson said: "Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to his bereaved family, to his friends and to the many comrades of this proud and brave Guards soldier."