FAMILY and friends of fallen Wirral soldier, Private Douglas Halliday, gathered to say their final goodbyes today.

The funeral, held at Holy Cross Church in Woodchurch, was attended by more than 200 people wanting to pay their last respects to him.

Around 70 people were asked to listen to the service from outside the church due to the high number of attendees inside.

The 20-year-old, from Rock Ferry, was killed in Afghanistan on June 23 when his armoured vehicle overturned into a canal.

He died alongside his colleagues from the Police Advisory Team - Private Alex Issac, also from Wirral, Colour Sergeant Martyn Horton, and Lance Corporal David Ramsden.

Speaking before the service, Major Ronnie Goodwin, the rear operations group 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), paid tribute to Private Halliday calling him a "rising star".

He said: "Private Douglas Halliday was a very professional soldier and a real character in his regiment. And he will be missed by all today.

"Of course his death has affected each and every one of his colleagues in their own way. But they are keen to carry on with job in hand.

"I believe strongly that Dougie had a bright future ahead of him with a long career. He was definitely a rising star and will be sorely missed."

Songs such as Wonderwall by Oasis and No Bravery by James Blunt were played during the funeral service.

The family of Private Halliday have asked for any donations to be made to Hep For Heroes in his memory.