An RAF squadron leader from Kent has died after an explosion in Afghanistan.

Sdn Ldr Ant Downing, 34, was killed after the vehicle he was travelling in was caught up in the blast south of Kabul last Thursday.

He was flown home, but died of his injuries at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, with his family by his side.

Another serviceman, Captain Tom Jennings, of the Royal Marines, was also killed in the blast.

Sdn Leader Downing's love of flying started when he joined the Dover Grammar School Combined Cadet Force as a teenager.

He was also hugely athletic - joining the Deal Striders and Velo Club Deal, which started a lifelong love of endurance events that led to him completing ultra marathons and double Ironmans.

A statement released by the RAF said of Sdn Ldr Downing: "His unassuming and modest demeanour belied a hugely professional officer and an extremely determined individual.

"His work in Afghanistan typified this as he had studied hard at the Defence School of Languages, Beaconsfield, coming top of his language course, and travelled to Tajikistan in his own time to further his studies.

"However, Ant was no book-worm and found the time to train for, and compete in, a series of Iron Man Triathlons and Ultra Marathons."

He was described as "an utterly charming individual with whom it was so easy to pass the time."

The statement added: "Ant's generous nature and interest in Afghanistan and her people, led to his intimate involvement in the planning and subsequent conduct of outreach patrols.

"Tragically, on 22 December whilst on patrol he was mortally wounded when the vehicle he was travelling in was caught in an explosion.

"There is some solace for his comrades in knowing that Ant died among his friends doing a job he felt so passionate about."

His family said Sqn Ldr Downing had announced at an early age he wanted to join the RAF.

They added: "His brother had someone to look up to as Ant eagerly embraced adulthood.

"He continued these traits into his working life, keen to listen, help and inspire others to travel and reach for high goals. We treasure the memories and the achievements of his fantastic life and without him our lives have been diminished."

Group Captain Robbie Noel OBE, who knew Sqn Ldr Downing personally, said he had served as the commanding officer of the Nimrod Line Squadron from September 2007 to May 2010.

He said: "An immensely dedicated, talented and passionate engineer, Ant was instrumental in maintaining and sustaining the Nimrod Force under a spotlight of intense engineering and safety scrutiny.

"As the last Senior Engineering Officer of Nimrod Line Squadron at RAF Kinloss, he led his team in the most honest and courageous fashion earning the highest respect from those under his command."

He also served with the Mountain Rescue Service at RAF Kinloss.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said he had been deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sqn Ldr Anthony Downing.

He added: "The tributes paid by his family and colleagues speak volumes of this gifted military officer, whose dedication and ability were great assets to the Royal Air Force.

"The pain felt by Squadron Leader Downing's family must have been compounded by this terrible news coming at a time of year when the focus for most of us is on family."