Mourners say farewell to Gateshead soldier

Mourners gathered in Gateshead for the funeral of a British soldier killed in a bomb blast in Afghanistan.

Cpl Steven Dunn died on 21 December in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb.

The funeral of the 27-year-old, who served with 216 Parachute Signal Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals, was held at St Albans Catholic Church.

It was his third tour of Afghanistan and his family said he had died doing a job he loved.

They said in a statement his death had left a "huge hole" in the lives of his family including his wife Cheryl, mother Vicky and daughter Emily.

They said: "He lived for the Army, especially 216 (Parachute) Signal squadron, and died doing a job he loved.

"This is his fourth tour in eight years and his third tour to Afghanistan.

"He worked hard to get his wings of which he was very proud which enabled him to be part of 216 Sqn."

They said he had also loved Newcastle United and spent many weekends watching them play.

They added: "We are all immensely proud of all that he achieved in his short life.

"He died doing a job he loved and excelled at."

Cpl Dunn grew up in Gateshead and went to St Joseph's School, Hebburn.