THE funeral of soldier, husband, father and proud Cornishman, L Cpl Darren Hicks, has taken place at Paul Church.

Fittingly, for someone so much a part of his community and filled with esteem for his heritage, the service fell on St Piran's Day.

The church was full and several hundred people stood, lining the street, saying goodbye and paying their respects to a man who died serving his country.

Comrades from the Coldstream Guards were present with L Cpl Hicks receiving full military honours.

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As the procession approached the parish church, the firing party lowered their weapons and the Royal British Legion standard bearers dropped their flags.

His fellow servicemen raised the coffin – draped in the Union Flag, with his hat and belt resting on top – to their shoulders before carrying him into the church.

Family and loved ones, including his wife Katie, mother, Janet Skinner and father, David Hicks, followed,

Major Simon Carpenter eulogised L Cpl Hicks and the Rev Julian Drew paid tribute.

Following the final hymn his comrades returned him to the hearse and the cortege passed once more through the ranks of the firing party on their way to Truro for a private ceremony.

For more on L Cpl Hicks' funeral see next Thursday's Cornishman.