TWO BRITISH servicemen killed in a roadside bomb as they patrolled close to a major Nato base in Afghanistan on Sunday were named by the Ministry of Defence today.

Senior Aircraftman Graham Livingstone of the Royal Air Force Regiment and Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment died when the vehicle they were travelling in hit the device close to Kandahar Airfield.

SAC Livingstone was 23-years-old and from Strathclyde while SAC Thompson was a 52-year-old father-of-five who worked as a managing director in Nottingham in civilian life.

The pair were taking part in a security patrol as part of Support Weapons Flight of 3 Squadron RAF Regiment when the tragedy unfolded.

Two others were also injured when the General Purpose Land Rover they were travelling in struck a roadside device in Daman District close to the outside of Kandahar Airfield at 6.48pm local time (3.18pm GMT) on Sunday.

They were rushed to the field hospital inside the base but the two Senior Aircraftmen died from their injuries.

The two other servicemen caught up in the blast suffered less serious injuries and one has already returned to duty, the MoD said.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said he was "greatly saddened" by the loss of the two men.

"They were both extremely well liked and popular airmen and will be sorely missed by all who knew them," he said.

"My thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends at what must be the most difficult of times."

Air Commodore Bob Judson, commander Kandahar Airfield, described both as "bright lights" in the squadron which provides protection for the outer ring of the airfield - Nato's man base in southern Afghanistan.

He said: "These two enthusiastic, brave, popular and capable men have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst giving their best.

"Their loss will be keenly felt by all on this base but most especially the members of No 1 Force Protection Wing and No 3 Squadron RAF Regiment.

"The bright lights may have been dimmed but they will never be forgotten and my thoughts are very much with both Gary's and Graham's families at this most difficult of times."

AT 52, SAC Thompson is thought to be the oldest British serviceman to have been killed in the wars in either Afghanistan or Iraq.

Leonard Harvey, a 55-year-old member of the Defence Fire Service, died after falling ill while serving in Iraq in 2003.

After spending four years with the RAF in the 1970s, SAC Thompson became a successful businessman in civilian life rising to become managing director of Sherwood Ducting Ltd, in Nottingham.

He leaves behind, his wife Jacqui and five daughters: Laurie, 24, Aimee, 22, Jordan, 20, Jade, 17 and Kelly, 16 - who he said inspired him to serve in the war against the Taliban.

He was quoted in the Rutland and Stamford Mercury in February as saying: "I have five daughters, three of whom are at university.

"I want women in Afghanistan to be given the same opportunity that my daughters have had.

"It means I can come back and say I have played my part in trying to make that happen."

He re-entered military life in 2005 as a reservist, joining 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

He took the opportunity to train as a gunner before going on to qualify as a mortar man last year.

He was mobilised in October and was sent to Kandahar in February, being promoted to Senior Aircraftman.

In a statement his family said: "A devoted husband, father, son and brother who touched the lives of everyone who knew him, Gary was more than our hero, he was the rock and foundation of our family.

"Words cannot express how much he was loved and how proud of him we are. Gary, you have had our hearts from the beginning and now they are yours forever."

His commander, Squadron Leader Richard Langley (Officer Commanding 3 Squadron RAF Regiment), said: "He was the consummate professional soldier and airman, who took immense pride in his military service in addition to his civilian job as manager of Sherwood Ducting Ltd.

"Upon joining 3 Squadron RAF Regiment on mobilisation, Gary was re-named "Tommo".

"Fitting in immediately, his skills and humour were such that all held him in the highest regard.

"Tommo" was not one to seek the attention, but was the voice of calm and reason who continuously supported the Squadron's less experienced gunners.

"He was immensely proud to serve with the Squadron, as we were to serve alongside him, and he will be sorely missed by all."