HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Mansfield today to pay tribute to Lance Sergeant David Greenhalgh of the Grenadier Guards.

Lance Sergeant Greenhalgh, form Ilkeston, lost his life on February 13 in Afghanistan when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device.

He received a full military funeral at St Mark's Church, Mansfield, close to the home of his grandmother.

Captain James Shaw, his platoon commander in Iraq in 2006, was among the mourners.

He said: "He was a very strong willed character, probably the most loyal person I ever met.

"His lose to the regiment is huge."

Lance Sergeant Greenhalgh's mother, Mandy Clarke, and her partner, Albert Bainbridge, have asked people to donate to the charity Help for Heroes.

They said in a statement: "My beloved son, Lance Sergeant David Greenhalgh, was dedicated to his job. He was a professional soldier who believed in what he was doing.

"My partner and I are 100% behind Her Majesty, her government and the officers and men of our Armed Forces, who are without doubt the best in the world, doing a difficult task.

"The road will be long and our young men and women who are serving in the field deserve our unfaltering support.

"We support an organisation called 'Help for Heroes'. There are collection points in many pubs and public places, also on the internet. Please donate if you are able.

"We have the support of our family, friends and the Army for which we are extremely grateful."

The 25-year-old's death came after British troops launched Operation Moshtarak to drive back the Taliban in the war-torn country.

L/Sgt Greenhalgh joined the Army in 2001 and had served on operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

His funeral was followed by a private committal at Mansfield Crematorium.