MOURNERS at the funeral of a soldier killed in Afghanistan heard yesterday that he wrote a letter before his death saying there was "no greater honour" than to die in service.

Lance Sergeant David Greenhalgh, 25, from Ilkeston, died instantly when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device on February 13.

His 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards section was providing safe passage for a patrol near Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.

Yesterday, hundreds of mourners packed into St Mark's Church, in Mansfield, for his funeral. Dozens of people lined the streets.

Members of Lance Sgt Greenhalgh's family paid emotional tributes to him during the service.

His father, Stephen Greenhalgh, spoke about the letter given to him which was written by his son and left with instructions for it only to be opened on his death.

Reading the words of his son, Mr Greenhalgh said: "I just wanted you to know that ever since I was a little boy running around the garden with my toy gun... that I've always wanted to be a soldier."

The letter continued: "I used to have a morbid fascination of those who died in the service of this country and I always admired them.

"There is no greater honour, I do believe that. I just want you all to know that."

Mandy Clarke, Lance Sgt Greenhalgh's mother, sobbed as she told the congregation that her son was a "hero".

She said: "All the soldiers and all the serving personnel and all those out there now are all heroes."

Captain James Shaw, who served with Lance Sgt Greenhalgh in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falkland Islands, described him as a "strong-willed character" and "dedicated" soldier.

He said: "For someone who was so patriotic and loyal to his country, I can think of no greater tribute than to say that David Greenhalgh gave his life in the service of and for his country."

Before the service, scores of ex-servicemen and women marched to the church, stopping on the road outside, where around 30 dipped their standards.

The coffin, draped in a Union flag and topped with Lance Sgt Greenhalgh's cap, belt and a wreath of poppies, was carried into the building by fellow guardsmen.

A group of eight soldiers, wearing full ceremonial uniform and carrying rifles, formed a guard of honour to the church.

After the service, which was conducted by the Rev George Butler and the Rev Peter Hewlett-Smith, chaplain to the Grenadier Guards, the cortege of three funeral cars followed by six motorbikes left for a private committal at Mansfield Crematorium.

Lance Sgt Greenhalgh joined the Army in 2001.

He also served in Bosnia and trained in the Falkland Islands and Kenya.

After his death, Lieutenant Colonel Roly Walker, Commanding Officer, The Grenadier Guards Battle Group, said he was killed protecting his men as they cleared a high-threat area.

He said: "He was watching over others so they could move safe from harm, a noble purpose for which he paid the ultimate sacrifice."

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