The bodies of two servicemen killed in Afghanistan are to return to the UK today.

The remains of Marine David Hart, 40 Commando, Royal Marines, and Bombardier Samuel Robinson, 5th Regiment, Royal Artillery, will arrive at RAF Lyneham for a private service before passing through Wootton Bassett en route to the Oxford coroner.

Residents and business people will join family and friends of the two fallen servicemen to pay silent tribute as the cortege pauses at the town's war memorial.

Marine Hart, from York, was serving as part of Combined Force Sangin when he was killed in an explosion on foot patrol in Sangin, Helmand, on July 8.

The 23-year-old lived with his family in Upper Poppleton and his parents, Dilys and Chris Hart, said: "David loved his family, his girlfriend and friends, many that he has known since early age.

"Throughout his life, David showed the qualities of the Commando Spirit, he had a great personality and was a friend to everyone.

"His cheerfulness, his sense of humour and of course his smile will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. We are immensely proud, as he was, of his achievements."

Sarah Hart, his sister, added: "Dave was the best brother I could ever have wished for.

"He was caring, funny, had an infamous cheeky grin and would always be there for you.

"I am so proud to have been his sister, and of his chosen career as a Royal Marines Commando.

"He truly loved his job and relished the challenges he was facing on a daily basis.

"Dave, I will miss you so much. You were so brave and I will always remember you as a true hero."

Bombardier Robinson, 31, from Carmarthen, was serving in support of Combined Force Sangin and died in an explosion while on foot patrol in Sangin on July 8.

His family said: "Sam was doing the job that he loved and was proud to be doing it. We are all very proud of him and we will miss him forever."

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hayhurst, Commanding Officer 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, said: "This courageous man held the respect of all that knew him; his strength of character, professionalism, and outright robustness made him a force to be reckoned with, and he was the perfect role model for the rest of the Regiment and in particular the young members of 4/73 Battery.

"He was special and will be sorely missed. His tragic loss has come as a shock to us all and my greatest sympathy goes out to his family and to his friends."