York Minster funeral for Royal Marine David Hart

Marine Hart had been presented with the Commando Medal in 2009

The funeral of a North Yorkshire Royal Marine who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan has taken place at York Minster.

David Hart, 23, from Poppleton, York, was killed in the blast in Sangin in southern Afghanistan earlier this month.

The serviceman, from 40 Commando, was killed while on a joint foot patrol with Afghan soldiers.

Friend Marine Tim Sage described him as "the life and soul of the party".

'Commando spirit'

Speaking outside York Minster, Marine Sage from 45 Commando, who trained alongside his friend, said: "He was always smiling... He was the guy who always made the cups of tea for everybody".

He added: "He had a cheeky smile on him that everybody knew. That's what will be remembered today. He never had anything to moan about, he was the life and soul of the party."

Hundreds of people gathered outside the cathedral for the service earlier.

Marin Hart had been presented the Commando Medal in 2009.

The medal, given to a recruit who displays "qualities of the Commando Spirit" during training, was awarded at his passing out ceremony on 16 October 2009.

His parents, Dilys and Chris, said had "a great personality and was a friend to everyone".

After completing his training Marine Hart was drafted to 40 Commando Royal Marines, based in Norton Fitzwarren, near Taunton.