A HEROIC Worcester soldier killed in action in Afghanistan has been fondly remembered at his funeral.

Hundreds of mourners packed into St George's Church in Barbourne this afternoon to celebrate the life of Private Jason Williams.

The 23-year-old soldier serving with 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) died in an explosion in Helmand province while trying to retrieve the body of a fallen Afghan comrade on Saturday, August 8.

During the service Pte Williams' mum Linda and sister Jennifer were presented with the Elizabeth Cross - a sterling silver emblem granted to families of Armed Forces personnel in recognition of their loss - as well as a scroll signed by the Queen.

As the congregation filed out of the church following the 45-minute-long funeral, with full military honours, hundreds more gathered in pockets along The Tything to pay their respects as Pte Williams' coffin made its way to Worcester Crematorium. Spontaneous applause from the onlookers accompanied him on the way.

* For pictures and a full report see tomorrow's Worcester News.