Funeral for soldier killed in Afghanistan

The funeral will take place today of a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan the day after celebrating his 27th birthday.

Lance Corporal Graham Shaw, from Huddersfield, was killed in an explosion in Helmand province earlier this month.

Corporal Liam Riley, 21, who was described by Prince Harry as a "legend", was also killed that day in a separate explosion.

The soldiers, of 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, serving as part of the 1 Coldstream Guards Battle Group, were killed in two blasts near Malgir, Afghanistan.

L/Cpl Shaw was team leader of a base security foot patrol when an improvised explosive device detonated, killing him instantly.

At the time of their deaths, Harry said: "It is incredibly sad also to hear that Liam died alongside his friend, Lance Corporal Graham Shaw.

"My heart goes out to their loved ones, and to their many, many friends in their regiment and the wider Army."

L/Cpl Shaw's family said he was proud to be a member of the British Army like his father before him.

"He knew the danger that he was to face whilst serving in Afghanistan. He lost his life doing the job he liked and enjoyed," the family said.

Hundreds of mourners are expected to join tributes to the soldier at his funeral service in St John's Church, Golcar, Huddersfield.