Memorial cathedral service for Canterbury-based soldier

Private Vatubua had only been in Afghanistan since October

A private memorial service for a Kent-based soldier killed in Afghanistan has been held at Canterbury Cathedral.

Pte Joseva Saqanagonedau Vatubua, 24, died on 1 January in an explosion in Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district.

He was serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 5th Battalion, based at Howe Barracks, Canterbury, and was deployed to Afghanistan in October.

The body of Pte Vatubua, who was originally from Fiji, was flown to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire on Tuesday.

The battalion's regimental band had travelled from its headquarters in Stirling to take part in the memorial service.

Pte Vatabua was a member of the army's Fijian choir, which was also due to perform, along with a lone piper.