MOURNERS in Looe have attended a memorial service for a soldier who was killed serving in Afghanistan at the end of February.
Lance Corporal Paul 'Uppers' Upperton, 31, was killed in action when the vehicle in which he and two other Riflemen, Corporal Tom Gaden and Rifleman Jamie Gunn, was hit by enemy fire.
His mother Tina attended the funeral and read a poem at the service.
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Cavanagh paid tribute to Lance Corporal Upton at the time of his death saying: 'I remember as if it were yesterday his first day back in the battalion as we bantered in the corridor; his sense of excitement was palpable and inspiring, and it was quite clear to all of us that he knew that he was back where belonged.'
Flags at the war memorial in Looe were flown at half mast as a mark of respect once the news of Lance Corporal Upton's death had reached the town.
His brother Sgt Leon Upton and sister Samantha also attended the memorial service. Rev Brian McQuillen, the rector at St Martins Church, said: 'Both Tina and Leon spoke very well at the service.
'Afterwards Tina and the family made their way to the town's war memorial and, as they lay a wreath, I was asked to say a small prayer.'
Mayor Ron Overd also spoke at the service and it is thought that this may have been his last public engagement as town mayor.