Hundreds line streets to say last farewell to Afghan hero

The 19-year-old soldier died along with five of his comrades when their armoured vehicle was blown up the Helmand province.

Pte Kershaw was killed on March 6 alongside Private Anthony Frampton, 20, Private Daniel Wade, 20, Corporal Jake Hartley, 20, Private Daniel Wilford, 21, all also of 3 Yorks, and Sergeant Nigel Coupe, 33, of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

Many attending the service at Holy Trinity Parish Church, in the Idle area of the city, said they were thinking in particular about the young soldier’s father, Brian Kershaw, whose mother died yesterday.

Mr Kershaw followed his son’s coffin into church with his partner, Sharon Wood, and his former wife Monica Kershaw – Pte Kershaw’s mother.

Outside church, Major Malcolm Birkett, of 3 Yorks, said: “Private Christopher Kershaw was an outstanding young individual who epitomised everything that is right about the modern infantryman.”

Pte Kershaw’s sister, Sarah-Louise, told the congregation: “Christopher always was, and always will be, our true hero who fought for our country to keep us safe.”