THE funeral of a heroic Worcester soldier who died in Afghanistan will take place in the city tomorrow.

A Lieutenant Colonel from the Danish Army will present the new Elizabeth Cross to Private Jason Williams’ mum Linda during the ceremony at St George’s Church.

She will become the first person to receive the medal in the region.

Hundreds of friends and family are expected to turn up for the funeral of Pte Williams while standard bearers from the Royal British Legion will be joined by representatives from the lord lieutenant’s office and Mayor of Worcester Andy Roberts.

Councillor Roberts is urging people to line the streets between the church in St George’s Square, Barbourne, and Worcester Crematorium to show their support for all that the former Bishop Perowne CE High School pupil achieved during his short time in the Army.

We previously reported in your Worcester News how 23-year-old Pte Williams, of Sunnyside Road, Barbourne, died in an explosion in Helmand province while trying to retrieve the body of a fallen Afghan comrade on Saturday, August 8.

He was a member of the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters).

Coun Roberts said: “The family have expressed their wishes for people to not gather around the church but if they want to mark the passage from there to the crematorium in a sombre and respectful way I know the family would appreciate that.”

The funeral starts at 2pm and it is expected to last about 45 minutes to one hour.

People not invited to the funeral can line the streets along The Tything, St Mary’s Street, Sansome Walk, Sansome Street, Lowesmoor, Rainbow Hill and Astwood Road before Pte Williams’ coffin arrives at Worcester Crematorium.

A private service for family and friends will then be held there. Chief Superintendent Jane Horwood said: “Meas-ures are in place regarding the funeral of Jason Williams and officers will be positioned along the route that the funeral cortege will take.

“We appreciate residents will want to come out onto the streets of Worcester and pay their respects to Jason and to support our servicemen and women in action overseas.”

“An ex-serviceman’s daug-hter myself, I have the utmost respect for those people who serve or have served our country, and I would like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to Jason's family and friends.”

The Elizabeth Cross: What is it?

It is granted to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel killed on operations, or as a result of terrorism, in a mark of national recognition for their loss.

Recipients of the Elizabeth Cross – a sterling silver emblem in the shape of a cross over a wreath – will also get a memorial scroll signed by the Queen which will bear the name of the person who died.

The arms of the Elizabeth Cross bear floral symbols representing England (Rose), Scotland (Thistle), Ireland (Shamrock) and Wales (Daffodil). The reverse of the cross will be engraved with the name of the person in whose memory it is granted.

This is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940.

The Elizabeth Cross was only introduced at the beginning of July this year.