THE Government is offering every support to the families of six British soldiers whose bodies are expected to repatriated next week, the Deputy Prime Minister told MPs.

The troops Warrior vehicle was hit by an explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province.

Deputy PM Nick Clegg opened the weekly Prime Ministers' Questions session in the Commons by reading out the names of the dead soldiers. He was standing in for David Cameron who is on a visit to the US.

And during the session, Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney asked: "The six British servicemen killed in Afghanistan last week will be repatriated next Tuesday and will include three of my constituents Corporal Jake Hartley, Private Danny Wilford and Private Anthony Frampton.

"At this difficult time for the families, will you assure me and my constituents that everything is being done by the Government to support the families?"

Mr Clegg replied: "I know how strongly you must feel about this terrible accident given three of your constituents have sadly lost their lives.

"I know the Ministry of Defence and Secretary of State Philip Hammond are doing everything they can do in quite difficult circumstances to make sure the bodies are returned to the families as soon as possible."

Earlier, at the beginning of the session, Mr Clegg said: "These were men of outstanding courage and selflessness. This tragic incident will long be remembered by our nation because it reminds us all of the immense dangers our Armed Forces regularly endure to guarantee the safety and security of our country."

Labour party deputy leader Harriet Harman said: "They died in tragic circumstances serving our country with bravery and with determination.

"Their deaths remind us of the great sacrifice our Armed Services make on our behalf and our thoughts are with their families."