The devastated mum of a young soldier killed in Afghanistan wore his regimental beret to his funeral service in a poignant tribute.

Trooper Ashley Smith, 21, of the Royal Dragoon Guards, became the 299th British soldier to die in the conflict on June 18 when he was killed as he cleared land for his comrades near a checkpoint.

Mum Sandra, dad David, girlfriend Sarah Helstrip and his five devoted siblings looked on in anguish as his coffin, draped in the Union Jack and with his regimental belt and hat on top, was carried by colleagues into the magnificent York Minster in driving rain on Thursday.

As well as the beret, Sandra proudly wore the Elizabeth Cross attached to her jacket lapel which bereaved families now receive.

During the service, his sister Sadie Gelder paid tribute to her "wonderful, kind, humourous" brother - a talented basketball player who was offered a contract in America before deciding to bravely serve his country and join the Army in March 2008.