The funeral of the first Canterbury-based Argyll and Sutherland Highlander to die in Afghanistan took place near his home in the city.

Hundred of mourners attended the service at Barham Crematorium for 31-year-old L Cpl James Johnson, who died in Helmand Province last month after stepping on a land mine.

A guard of honour was formed as a piper led the funeral cars to the doors of the crematorium and he was cremated with full military honours.

L Cpl Johnson, known as Jimmy, lived in Thanington with his fiancee Bernadette Broadley, who he met four years ago after the battalion moved to Canterbury.

He was born in Scotland but grew up mostly in Chatham where his parents, Lawrence and Connie still live.

Among the moving tributes to him was one from his young daughter, Chloe, and his fiancee.

His colleagues described him as a soldier’s soldier, dedicated to his job and highly professional.

A picture on the front cover of the order of service showed him carrying an injured child.

His brother, Lawrence, also a soldier, said the Army had made him into the man he was and the family was immensely proud of him.

Miss Broadley talked of his fun-loving, caring character and his love of socialising.

The service ended with the playing of his favourite song, the Kaiser Chiefs, I Predict a Riot, and was followed by an eight gun salute.