DRAPED in the Union Jack flag and flanked by his Army comrades, Hampshire solider Sergeant Glynn Ludlow was given full military honours as friends and family gathered for his funeral.

More than 150 people attended the service at Romsey Abbey where they heard from family and Army friends who paid tribute to the popular and dedicated soldier.

The congregation heard stories from Sgt Ludlow's childhood and his passion for Southampton Football Club, in whose shirt he was buried.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo the 28-year-old had recently returned from a six-month tour of duty in Iraq where he served with the General Support Medical Regiment.

He was found dead by friends at his home in Preston where he was based just days before he was due to receive a medal for this tour of duty.

Sgt Ludlow's death is not being treated as suspicious and an inquest has been opened and adjourned.

Following the service at Romsey Abbey which was led by Rev Neil Crawford-Jones and Rev Joseph Loveday from the Army, mourners made their way to Southampton crematorium where a three-gun salute was sounded before the committal.