SHE had a smile that would brighten the day of everyone who knew her.

Courageous and dedicated, army medic Private Eleanor Dlugosz was in Iraq helping to save the lives of her soldier colleagues.

Today they led the tributes to the energetic 19-year-old from Southampton after she was killed in a roadside bomb blast.

Pte Dlugosz died after the armoured Warrior vehicle in which she was travelling was blown up.

The bomb went off just outside Basra in the south of the country where she had joined soldiers on a patrol at 2am on Thursday.

Another woman and two men were also killed when insurgents struck.

Pte Dlugosz, known to her friends as "Ella" or "DZ" had initially been deployed to Iraq in November last year when she was based at Shaibah Logistics Base.

In January she had returned to the UK in order to complete her Class 1 Medics Course - something she enjoyed - and then returned to the war-torn country last month when it finished.

Pte Dlugosz's role was providing medical support to a Warrior patrol from 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancasters Battle Group when she was killed.

Based in Catterick, North Yorkshire, Pte Dlugosz, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, was responsible for providing the patrols with integral medical support.

Ministry of Defence chiefs said she had quickly gained the respect of the infantry soldiers she patrolled with, and was held in high regard by all who knew her.

A strong, bright and capable young woman, she had aspirations to complete her A-levels and train as a medical laboratory technician.

Described as a central part of the Close Support Medical Squadron, she was said to be a naturally unassuming and quiet individual who enjoyed the challenge of being a military medic on patrol.

One of her friends and colleagues, Pte Stella Lee, said: "Ella was a caring girl who enjoyed being a medic. Helping others before herself was who she was. She brightened up everybody's day with her cheesy smile. She was a privilege to work with and know and she will always be in our hearts."

Another of her friends, Pte Tom Hammond, who has served with Pte Dlugosz since basic training, said: "Ella always wore a smile that would brighten anyone's day. She befriended everyone she met. Apart from her family and friends, her real passion was for horses. She will be sorely missed by everyone."

Her Troop Commander, 2Lt Vinny Ramshaw RAMC, said: "Pte Dlugosz was a strong and morally courageous young woman, who was an example to many older and more experienced soldiers.

"Supremely dedicated to her work, she thoroughly enjoyed her soldiering and was keen to use her life-saving skills as a medic to help others."

Her Squadron Commander, Major Phil Carter RAMC, said: "I admired Pte Dlugosz for her enthusiasm and zest for life. She was a good medic and wanted to make a difference. The whole squadron will miss her."

Her Commanding Officer, Lt Col Martin Toney, added: "DZ was one of those soldiers who, despite a degree of shyness and a natural reticence, always surprised with her guts and determination.

"She returned to Iraq as a Class 1 Medic and almost immediately began patrolling in the city, first from Basra Palace and then latterly from the Contingency Operating Base. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. She had such promise and her sudden death is a sad loss to all."