Thousands of people have lined the streets of Skipton to pay tribute to fallen soldier Gareth Thursby.

There were outbreaks of spontaneous applause from crowds on the town’s high street as the funeral cortege made its way to Holy Trinity Church for the service, which began at noon.

The body of the sergeant, who was killed in Afghanistan last month, was taken through the town in a procession headed by police motorcyclists.

Large crowds are still outside the church, where the service is being relayed through speakers.