One of the youngest British soldiers to serve in Afghanistan will be remembered today as mourners gather for his funeral.

Rifleman William Aldridge, of 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed on July 10 by an explosion near Sangin in Helmand Province.

The soldier, who turned 18 just weeks earlier, on May 23, died while helping casualties from a previous blast in which he had also been injured.

Rifleman Aldridge was one of eight British troops killed in a 24-hour period, five of whom were from 2nd Battalion, The Rifles.

A funeral cortege led by the British Legion will pass through Rifleman Aldridge's home town of Bromyard, Herefordshire, this morning, before arriving at St Peter's Church for the service.

The Officer Commanding C Company of 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, Major Alistair Field, was wounded with Rifleman Aldridge in the first of the two explosions on July 10.

Maj Field said: "Although new to my company for the Afghanistan tour, Rifleman Aldridge had impressed me from the outset: well- mannered, well turned-out, and very much a thinking Rifleman.

"We were injured together in the first explosion. We were both injured and in shock together but he comforted me with his patience and kind words.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Rifleman Aldridge could have gone all the way.

"Sadly his life was snatched by another explosion on the way back to the FOB (Forward Operating Base). Another new talent whose potential will tragically never be known."

The funeral procession is due to start at the Cadets' Depot in Kirkham Gardens, with the church service beginning at 11am.