Funeral of Afghan death soldier

Signaller Bland was described as a "true hero" by his family

Family and friends have gathered for the funeral of a soldier killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.

Signaller Wayne Bland, 21, from Gipton in Leeds, died in a military hospital after the attack on a Nato convoy on the outskirts of Kabul on 11 August.

Two fellow soldiers from 16 Signal Regiment were wounded.

Members of the public and the Royal British legion lined the streets as the coffin, draped in a Union Flag, was carried into Leeds Parish Church.

The coffin was carried out of a hearse by members of Signaller Bland's regiment to the sound of bagpipers playing Amazing Grace.

'So proud'

The Reverend Jim Butterworth led the service and prayers to a "young man who served his country" and read out a piece from Wayne's younger brother Jordan.

It read: "To my big bro Wayne. He was was the best brother anyone could ever have.

"He always looked after us and we looked after him. I hope he still watches over us, wherever he is.

"I am so proud of him and all that he has done and I hope I can be like him some day. I love him loads."

Signaller Bland was a keen footballer and a fan of Leeds United

The Mayor of Leeds also attended the service along with members of Signaller Bland's regiment and his commanding officer Lt Col Justin Hodges.

Outside the church, Lt Col Hodges said: "Signaller Wayne Bland enjoyed life to the full. He was a bit of a comedian, liked a drink or two like the rest of us.

"Most importantly, he was a good mate to his friends."

The Leeds United fan was due to return home on 22 August when he would have finished his tour of duty.