Tributes have been paid to the four British soldiers killed in Afghanistan, including the first woman to die in action in the country.

Corporal Sarah Bryant, 26, was killed on Tuesday along with Corporal Sean Robert Reeve, 28, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin, 39, and Paul Stout, 31, when a patrol from the Security Sector Reform Battle Group was involved in a mine strike in Helmand Province.

It was the deadliest attack on UK forces in Afghanistan since hostilities began in 2001.

Cpl Bryant, of the Intelligence Corps, was a member of 15 Psychological Operations Group based in Chicksands, Bedfordshire. Corporal Reeve, Lance Corporal Larkin and Mr Stout were Special Forces reservists - members of the 23rd Special Air Service Regiment, which is one of two Territorial Army SAS units.

The four were taking part in an operation east of Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province when their 'snatch' Land Rover was caught in a blast at about 3.40pm. A fifth soldier was wounded and is said to be in a stable condition.

Corporal Bryant's father, Des Feely, said: "It is truly devastating - an absolute massive shock. Ever since she was a schoolgirl it was her dream to be a soldier. I cannot believe she will not come home."

Her husband Carl, also a soldier in the Intelligence Corps, said: "Although I am devastated beyond words at the death of my beautiful wife Sarah, I am so incredibly proud of her. She was an awesome soldier who died doing the job that she loved.

"My wife knew the risks, she was there because she wanted to be, and she wouldn't have had it any other way. She was funny, kind and the most amazing person to be around, I will never stop being thankful for the time I spent as her husband.

"I love her now and always, with all my heart, as do her proud parents, friends and family. My wife was a truly special person who died a hero. Sarah, as with all our fallen, must never be forgotten."

Corporal Reeve's family said: "A dearly loved son, brother, godparent, uncle, grandson, and friend, who was loving, loyal, honourable, selfless and gentle.

"A pillar of strength that all could turn to. Sean's professionalism and determination for all that he did was an inspiration to all that were fortunate to have known him. Taken from us but never forgotten."

The family of Lance Corporal Larkin said: "Lance Corporal Richard Larkin was a beloved husband, father, son and brother whose tragic and untimely death will be deeply mourned by his family, friends and colleagues."

And the family of Mr Stout said: "Paul was a loving father and devoted husband. He was a wonderful son and brother and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Our lives will be changed forever by this loss."

Nine British soldiers have died in as many days, marking a sharp upturn in violence against troops in the troubled country. Last week, five soldiers from 2 Para, based in Colchester, Essex, were killed in two separate incidents in Afghanistan.

The latest deaths are the biggest single loss of life for British forces in Afghanistan since September 2006, when 14 personnel were killed when an RAF Nimrod came down near Kandahar.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown offered his "profound condolences" to the families and friends of the four and those who died last week.

Mr Brown said the troops were undertaking "difficult missions in the most dangerous of countries" and said Britain's armed forces were "second to none and the best in the world".

He added: "They are on the noblest of missions. They are fighting for freedom for the Afghans, in their own country, and for the world in protecting us from terrorism. This House and this country is proud of them all."

Defence Secretary Des Browne announced this week that hundreds more British personnel will be deployed to Afghanistan, taking troop numbers to a record high of 8,030 by next spring.

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