Tributes have been paid to Guardsman Neil Downes, of Manchester, and Lance Corporal Paul Sandford, of Nottingham, who died on operational service in Afghanistan. Guardsman Downes (20) was a member of the 1st battalion Grenadier Guards. He was killed in Helmand province when his vehicle was attacked by an explosive device. Lance Corporal Sandford (23) served with the 1st battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment. He died while on an offensive patrol against the Taliban.