THE funeral of Corporal Jason Barnes from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, has taken place in Colchester today.

James Hore

THE funeral of Corporal Jason Barnes from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, has taken place in Colchester today.

The British soldier was killed by a suspected roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan on July 22th.

Corporal Barnes, 25, was the eighth soldier from the Colchester based regiment to die in Afghanistan in a matter of weeks.

He was driving an ambulance at the time of his death.

His funeral was held at St Peter's Church, North Hill, with full military honours and traffic and passers by came to a standstill to honour the fallen serviceman.

His grieving widow, Diana, paid tribute to her “sexy pants” husband, spelling out her love in giant floral letters which were resting against his coffin as it was driven to church.

They were accompanied by a note from Mrs Barnes, which said: “Sexy pants, a wonderful husband, my best friend, my soul mate. “We laughed, cried and shared everything together.

“I miss you more than words can say. My love for you will never die.

“You are my hero. Love you always, Diana xxx. Baby sleep tight.'”

Cpl Barnes, originally from Exeter, Devon but who lived in Colchester, was hailed for his bravery in helping save the life of a critically wounded comrade just before his death.