Funeral of Fusilier Dean Griffiths

Hundreds of people gathered today to pay their last respects to a 21-year-old Shropshire soldier who died in a shooting incident while on exercises at a military firing range.

The funeral of Fusilier Dean Griffiths, from Market Drayton, was held at Saint Swithun's Church, in Cheswardine.

Fusilier Griffiths, who served with the First Battalion The Royal Welsh, died on September 14 at Lydd Ranges on Romney Marsh in Kent.

Today the church was filled to capacity for the funeral, which included full military honours, with many others standing outside and lining the roads to hear the service over speakers.

Mourners broke down in tears as the coffin, draped in a Union flag, was carried to and from the church by members of his regiment.

The service, attended by more than 100 members of his regiment, featured tributes by Fusilier Griffiths's brother Dewi, his fiancee Nicky and father Stewart.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Webb, battalion commanding officer, described Fusilier Griffiths as 'enthusiastic, a self starter, a leader and loyal'.

By James Pugh