A Royal Marine who died the day before his 24th birthday while serving in Afghanistan was described as a"knight in shining armour" by his grieving girlfriend as he was laid to rest on Tuesday.

Brave David Hart, 23, left a letter to his family in the event of his death, saying he wouldn't complain at the thought of dying so young as he had led a brilliant life.

David, who loved being a commando, was serving as part of the Combined Force Sangin when he was tragically killed in an explosion on a foot patrol on July 8.

Hundreds of mourners lined the streets in David's home of York to welcome the slain hero and pay their respects at a moving service held in the city's imposing and impressive Minster.

Among the crowds were dotted dozens of veterans, several wearing the fabled green beret of the Marines.

Just before the hearse arrived the shooting party of 12 Marines, resplendent in their distinctive blue and red uniforms and white hats, smartly marched into place to provide a guard of honour.