This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/8223770.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Funeral for Afghan blast soldier Medal awarded at soldier funeral
(about 10 hours later)
The family of a soldier who died while trying to retrieve the body of an Afghan comrade are to be presented with the Elizabeth Cross before his funeral. The family of a soldier who died while trying to retrieve the body of an Afghan comrade have been presented with the Elizabeth Cross at his funeral.
Private Jason Williams, 23, of Worcester, died after an explosion on 8 August east of Gereshk in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Hundreds of people lined the streets of Worcester to pay tribute to Pte Jason Williams, 23, who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on 8 August.
A service is being held at St George's Church in Worcester later followed by a private burial. More than 500 people attended a service at St George's Church in Pte Williams's home city.
The Elizabeth Cross is awarded to the families of those killed in action.The Elizabeth Cross is awarded to the families of those killed in action.
Pte Williams had been securing an area following an attack in which three Afghan soldiers died when he was killed. Pte Williams, of the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, was killed as he secured an area, east of Gereshk in Helmand province, following an attack in which three Afghan soldiers died.
Major Sam Plant, the officer commanding C Squadron Group, Light Dragoons said Pte Williams was a "shining star". 'Big guy'
During the ceremony, his mother Linda and 28-year-old sister Jennifer were presented with the Elizabeth Cross by Brigadier Andrew Sharpe, Colonel of the Mercian Regiment.
Speaking outside the church, Brig Sharpe said: "He was a big guy in every sense - big sense of humour and huge enthusiasm.
Pte Williams's mother Linda received the Elizabeth Cross at the funeral
"He was a first-class man and a first-class soldier. The Mercian Regiment is a family and Jason Williams was part of that family."
The funeral, which included full military honours, was followed by a private burial at Astwood Cemetery.
Chaplin of 143 (WM) Brigade the Reverend Colin Butler read tributes from fellow soldiers during the service.
He said: "Jason meant a huge amount to many people who are heartbroken at having to be here today."
Maj Sam Plant, the officer commanding C Squadron Group, Light Dragoons, said Pte Williams was a "shining star".
"He was a natural soldier and a leader of the future, possessing intelligence, common sense, team spirit and courage in abundance," he said."He was a natural soldier and a leader of the future, possessing intelligence, common sense, team spirit and courage in abundance," he said.