Hundreds at York Minster for blast soldier funeral

The minster bells tolled as pall-bearers carried Trooper Smith's coffin

Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral at York Minster of a soldier killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan.

Trooper Ashley Smith, 21, from York, was on patrol in Helmand Province when he was killed on 18 June.

At least 500 people, including the soldier's family and close friends, packed into the Minster on Thursday.

Trooper Smith joined the Royal Dragoon Guards in 2008 and served in Canada before going to Afghanistan.

Sadie Gelder, Trooper Smith's sister, told mourners her brother was a talented sportsman who had turned down the chance to become a professional basketball player because he wanted to stay with his family.

"He was kind, gentle and very funny," she said.

"He never took life too seriously.

Trooper Ashley Smith was a talented basketball player, his family said

"He had a lovely sense of humour and a lovely smile. He cherished his family, as we did him."

His mother, Sandra, was presented with the Elizabeth Cross shortly after his death and his father, Dave, was given his operational medals.

The minster's bells tolled as Trooper Smith's coffin, topped with his regimental cap and belt and a wreath of flowers, was carried to the waiting hearse before making the journey to a private burial.

His parents Sandra and Dave Smith said in a statement: "Everyone that knew Ashley loved him and he was the best son any mother and father could have wished for, and a loving brother to his brothers and sisters.

"He cared deeply about his family and the many friends he had in the Army and in his home city of York.

"Ashley will be sorely missed and we are immensely proud of our son."

A York Minster spokeswoman said military families could request funeral services were held at the cathedral.