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Funeral for bomb blast Rifleman Hundreds attend soldier's funeral
(about 4 hours later)
The funeral of a soldier from Northamptonshire killed in an explosion in Afghanistan is taking place later. Hundreds of people lined the streets of a Northamptonshire town in the pouring rain for the funeral of a soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan.
Rifleman Aidan Howell, 19, was on patrol in the Kajaki area of Helmand when a roadside bomb exploded. Rifleman Aidan Howell, 19, was on patrol in Helmand when a roadside bomb exploded on 28 December.
Known as "Sunshine Boy" to his family, Rifleman Howell from Desborough, served with the 3rd Battalion The Rifles.Known as "Sunshine Boy" to his family, Rifleman Howell from Desborough, served with the 3rd Battalion The Rifles.
The funeral with full military honours, will take place at St Giles Church, Desborough, followed by a private committal at Rushton Road Cemetery. The funeral with full military honours took place at St Giles Church, Desborough.
Rifleman Howell was part of a specialised fire support group, which was normally reserved for more senior riflemen. Among the congregation were Rifleman Howell's parents, Christine and Stephen, and his 26-year-old sister, Christine.
Lt Col Nick Kitson, commanding officer 3 Rifles, said he was "already established as a man of promise". The soldier's coffin, draped in a Union flag with his hat, medals, belt and a regimental wreath on top, was carried into the church by members of his battalion.
"His infectious humour and engaging personality had quickly endeared him to his company and his platoon," he said. Extra space was made in the nearby community centre for mourners to listen to the service on loudspeakers.
Rifleman Howell was part of a specialised fire support group
In a tribute to her younger brother, Ms Howell said: "In our family Aidan was known as 'Sunshine Boy'.
"He got this nickname because, in Mum and Dad's eyes, whatever he did, right or wrong, the sun would shine."
In tributes from friends, the teenager was described as cheeky, fun, outgoing and brave.
The Reverend Paul Seaton-Burn, who conducted the service, said: "Today is a day of great sadness, a day of tears, yet it is also a day of thanksgiving for the courage, love and friendship of a young man."
Crowds of supporters applauded as the hearse, decorated with floral tributes including one reading "Aidan", left the church for a private committal at Rushton Road Cemetery.