Tributes to 'first-class' soldier

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Private Jason Williams, 23, of the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, died on August 8 while helping in the aftermath of an attack, which had claimed the lives of three Afghan army soldiers near Gereshk, Helmand province.

More than 500 people filled the Church Of St George in Pte Williams's home town of Worcester to pay their respects to a "great soldier".

During the service, his mother Linda Williams and 28-year-old sister Jennifer Williams were presented with the Elizabeth Cross by Brigadier Andrew Sharpe, Colonel of the Mercian Regiment. The medal is awarded to families of service personnel killed on operations in recognition of their loss.

Speaking outside the church, Brigadier Sharpe paid tribute to Pte Williams. He said: "He was a big guy in every sense - big sense of humour and huge enthusiasm. He was a first-class man and a first-class soldier. The Mercian Regiment is a family and Jason Williams was a part of that family."

During the service, the Rev Colin Butler, chaplain of 143 (WM) Brigade, read tributes from fellow soldiers.

One described Pte Williams's "amazing cheerfulness" and said he was a "self-confessed happy chappy". Another colleague said the soldier was "always smiling" and "did not have a bad bone in his body". Mr Butler added: "Jason meant a huge amount to many people who are heartbroken at having to be here today."

Private Williams' coffin, draped in the Union flag and covered with white lilies, was followed into the church by his mother, sister and close family. As the hearse drove slowly away after the service, the crowds clapped and cheered.

Meanwhile, tributes were paid to Fusilier Shaun Bush, the latest British victim of the conflict in Afghanistan. Fusilier Bush, of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died on Tuesday, 10 days after he was badly hurt in an explosion as he tried to rescue an injured colleague.

His father Carl said: "Shaun was an extremely brave soldier who died while doing the job that he loved." He added: "He wanted to serve with the Army from a very young age."