Funeral for gun attack serviceman

Guardsman Major was posted to Afghanistan in April

Hundreds of mourners have gathered for the funeral of a Cleethorpes soldier who was one of five killed in an attack in Afghanistan.

Guardsman James "Jimmy" Major, 18, a gunner with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed in Helmand province on 3 November.

He was one of five soldiers shot by an Afghan police trainee at a checkpoint.

The streets outside St Peter's Church were lined while the soldier's funeral took place.

The Grenadier Guardsman's cap, belt and wreath of poppies were placed on top of the coffin as it was carried into church followed by his parents Adrian and Kim, brothers Lewis and Daniel and sister Paige.

L/Cpl Michael Bowman gave a tribute to his friend and colleague.

'Genuine affection'

He said: "There was real sense of confidence about him. Every time I asked him to do a job there was no question. He said 'ok' and got on with it.

"Immediately he won my respect and I could see a great amount of drive, determination and it was clear he would go far."

Guardsman Major was killed alongside his colleague from the Grenadier Guards Sgt Matthew Telford.

Mourners gathered outside St Peter's Church

Sgt Telford's funeral is due to take place in Grimsby on Thursday.

The Reverend Paul Hunter paid tribute to both men and said: "There has been a great outpouring of solidarity and pride. Shared grief and love has been expressed at the tragic loss and sacrifice of two of its sons, Matthew and Jimmy."

He added: "Today we are united to bid our final farewell to Jimmy, a much-loved son, brother, grandson and friend. A real character with a humour to match."

Guardsman Major was posted to Southern Afghanistan in April 2009, six months after joining the 1st Battalion.

The Ministry of Defence had said Guardsman Major had "begun to shine" and his death had brought a "tragic and abrupt end to such a short career".

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