The bodies of three soldiers killed by roadside bombs in Afghanistan will be flown back to Wiltshire today.

Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton, 23, from North Yorkshire, of 40 Regiment Royal Artillery, was hit by a makeshift bomb in Helmand on Thursday.

Rifleman Daniel Wild, 19, from County Durham, and Capt Mark Hale, 42, from Bournemouth, went to help but all three were fatally injured in a second blast.

The soldiers' bodies will be flown to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire this afternoon for a private ceremony at the chapel of rest.

Rifleman Wild and Capt Hale, both serving with the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, were carrying their wounded comrade when the three men were hit by the second explosion.

Capt Hale died later from his injuries, while Lance Bombardier Hatton, from Haxby, and Rifleman Wild, from Easington, died at the scene.

The three men were on foot patrol providing security for a meeting ahead of the country's presidential elections when they were killed.

Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets of Wootton Bassett in tribute to the three men.

Lt Col Rupert Jones MBE, commanding officer of 4 Rifles, described Capt Hale as 'a legend'.

Lt Col Rob Thomson MBE, of the Rifles Battlegroup, said Rifleman Wild was a 'fearless' soldier who was adored by his men.

Lance Bombardier Hatton's parents Jill and Philip said in a statement: "He was very brave and a credit to both us and the Army.

"We are really proud of him as our son, as a brother and as a soldier. Matt loved all his family dearly. He was full of fun, mischief and always brought happiness to our days. With a huge heart he touched many lives and will be missed by everyone and remembered forever."

A total of 94 UK soldiers were injured in action in Helmand in July, compared to 46 in June. The number of British military fatalities in Afghanistan now stands at 204.