TRIBUTES have been paid to Wirral's Fallen in Afghanistan as UK combat troops brought their campaign in Helmand province to an end today.

UK forces handed Camp Bastion over to Afghan officials, concluding their bloodiest chapter in the 13-year conflict with a poignant ceremony.

British and American troops stood side-by-side as the Union flag and the Stars and Stripes were lowered at the base for the last time.

David Cameron said Britain will "never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice".

Many from Wirral and the surrounding areas were among some 453 British forces personnel or Ministry of Defence civillians who died while serving in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001.

Fight Lieutenant Allan Squires, 39, from Clatterbridge was one of 14 crewmen killed when a Nimrod XV230 aircraft blew up during air-to-air refuelling in September 2006.

Corporal Steven Boote, 22, from Birkenhead, was one of five soldiers gunned down by a rogue Afghan policeman in November 2009. Cpl Boote's parents, Margaret and Anthony, said he was a "wonderful, genuine young man" who would "light up a room with a single smile". 

Wirral Globe:
We will never forget: Top Row L to R: Trooper Phillip Lawrence, Private Alex Isaac. Bottom Row L to R: Flight Lieutenant Allan Squires, Corporal Steven Boote and Private Douglas Niall Halliday.

Private Alex Isaac, 20, from Eastham, died in June 2010 when the Ridgeback vehicle he was travelling in plunged into a canal near Gereshk.

His mother, Annette, said the soldier from 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment was "a fighter and so brave".

Two of his colleagues from the same regiment also died in the accident including Private Douglas Niall Halliday, 20, from Wallasey.

His family said he would be remembered for "his charm, the special times together and his humour".

Trooper Phillip Lawrence, 22, from Birkenhead, of The Light Dragoons, was killed in Lashkar Gah. His family said: "He was our knight in shining armour."