Funeral of Helmand battle soldier

Captain Jim Philippson was killed by Taleban fighters in Afghanistan

Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of the first British soldier to be killed in action in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.

Captain Jim Philippson, 29, from St Albans in Hertfordshire, served with 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, based at Colchester, Essex.

He was shot earlier this month during a battle with Taleban forces.

Friends, family and regiment colleagues gathered at St Albans Abbey to pay tribute before a private service later.

A private commendation, with full military honours, took place at West Hertfordshire Crematorium.

His commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel David Hammond described how his regiment felt.

"It's a very sad day for all of us but especially his extended family.

"But it is an appropriate day too with a combined regimental funeral involving my own 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and 29 Commando regiment which he first joined.

"It's the end of a chapter in one sense but also an opportunity to celebrate the fine work he did.

"We also remembered that we're still on active duty and will be returning to Afghanistan shortly."

Two other soldiers were also injured during the fighting on 11 June.