A Bradford soldier who died along with five of his comrades when their armoured vehicle was blown up in Afghanistan was described "as an outstanding young individual" at his funeral in Bradford today.

Hundreds of people turned out in Idle, Bradford, in baking sunshine to pay their last respects to 19-year-old Private Christopher Kershaw, of 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment.

Pte Kershaw was killed on March 6 alongside Private Anthony Frampton, 20, Private Daniel Wade, 20, Corporal Jake Hartley, 20, Private Daniel Wilford, 21, all also of 3 Yorks, and Sergeant Nigel Coupe, 33, of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

Many attending the service at Holy Trinity Parish Church said they were thinking in particular about the young soldier's father, Brian Kershaw, whose mother died yesterday.

Mr Kershaw followed his son's coffin into church with his partner, Sharon Wood, and his former wife Monica Kershaw - Pte Kershaw's mother.

Outside church, Major Malcolm Birkett, of 3 Yorks, said: "Private Christopher Kershaw was an outstanding young individual who epitomised everything that is right about the modern infantryman.

"He loved his job - a thorough professional.

"For somebody so young, he set the benchmark for how to be a good soldier."

The officer said: "We remember not only Pte Chris Kershaw but the other five fallen alongside.

"Today is the final journey for Chris and our thoughts and prayers are with all the families."

Earlier, hundreds of mourners lined the streets.

Army standard bearers stood at the gates of the church as family, friends and servicemen gathered to remember Private Kershaw, 19, of Idle.

The former Hanson School pupil is the last of the six men to be laid to rest. A service with full military honours started at 1.30pm.

Before the service an army spokesman announced Private Kershaw’s grandmother Joan Kershaw, of Idle, died yesterday, aged 87.

It was her husband Fred who served with the Black Watch during World War Two who inspired Private Kershaw to join the army.