TRIBUTES were last night paid to a soldier killed during the rescue of a journalist kidnapped in Afghanistan.

Corporal John Harrison, 29, from the Parachute Regiment, was described as “a wonderful son, brother and a dedicated soldier” by his family.

He died in a daring pre-dawn operation on Wednesday to rescue Stephen Farrell, a reporter with the New York Times.

Mr Farrell, who holds dual British and Irish citizenship, was successfully released during the raid, but his Afghan interpreter, Sultan Munadi, also died.

Cpl Harrison's family said: “We are absolutely heartbroken.

“John was a wonderful son, brother and a dedicated soldier who was greatly loved and cherished by all his family and friends.” His commanding officer, whose name was not released by the Ministry of Defence, due to the special forces role of the unit, described him as “a tower of strength” and “a remarkable man”.

He said: “Cpl John Harrison was an immensely capable, self-effacing and highly likeable soldier with an irrepressible humour.

“He was an unflinching and inspirational man with a deep, deep pool of courage, who died as he lived – at the forefront of his men.

“He gave his life for his comrades and the Parachute Regiment, both of which meant so much to him.