Funeral for Huddersfield soldier killed in Afghanistan

L/Cpl Graham Shaw was team leader of a base security patrol

A West Yorkshire village has paid its respects to a soldier who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan.

L/Cpl Graham Shaw, from Golcar in Huddersfield, died when an improvised explosive device detonated during a patrol on 1 February.

The soldier, of 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, had celebrated his 27th birthday the day before his death.

Nearly 1,000 people lined the streets of Golcar before L/Cpl Shaw's funeral at St John's Church.

L/Cpl Shaw, who was team leader of a base security patrol, was killed in the blast near Malgir in Helmand province.

His colleague Cpl Liam Riley, 21, died in a separate explosion while trying to recover his body.

He was our hero, he was our loved one, he was our friend

Mick Dyson, uncle

L/Cpl Shaw's family held hands as they watched the soldier's coffin, draped in a Union flag and topped with his regimental hat, belt and a wreath of white flowers, lifted from the hearse and carried into church.

The service, led by Reverend Canon Martyn Crompton, was played through loud speakers to the mourners gathered outside the church.

Mick Dyson, L/Cpl Shaw's uncle, read a tribute on behalf of the family.

He drew laughter from the congregation when he told the story of the soldier's first appearance in the world.

Graham Shaw's coffin is carried into the church

L/Cpl Shaw's uncle said he died doing a job he loved

"For those who did not know Graham," he said, "Graham was born in the bathroom of his grandmother's pub not many miles from here... so you now know why he had such an affinity with public houses."

Mr Dyson said L/Cpl Shaw had been introduced to the Army at six weeks old when he moved to military accommodation in Germany, with his parents Karen and Russ, because his father was serving there.

He also spent a lot of time in Cyprus for the same reason, which led, Mr Dyson said, to his love of sunshine.

Mr Dyson said his nephew had touched the lives of many and asked: "Was it that cheeky grin or his infectious laugh or just his personality, getting on with anyone he came into contact with?"

He added: "Graham died doing a job he loved.

"He was our hero, he was our loved one, he was our friend. He was, is, and always will be our Graham."