Hundreds Say Goodbye To Corby Hero

3 July 2012, 17:16 | Updated: 3 July 2012, 17:46

More than 200 people turned up at the Our Lady Of Walsingham Church in Corby today to say goodbye to Lance Corporal James Ashworth.

James was just 23 years old and was serving for the 1st Battalion Grenadiers Guards when he was killed in Afghanistan.

Despite a very moving tribute from the military- today was not about mourning his death.

Guests turned up at the church in colourful clothing and created an atmosphere of strength and pride.

James' coffin was applauded when it arrived and departed the church

Some people put flowers on the roof of the hearse.

The service was conducted by Canon Michael Griffiths- Heart asked him how the community reacted to James' death:

"Everyone was very shocked but also very proud of what he did- he was a local boy and as a lot of people have said, he's a local hero"

Captain Ian Farrell is the welfare officer for the 1st Battalion Grenadiers Guards:

"James was a larger than life character, a great natural leader and when he paid the ultimate sacrifice he was leading his men from the front in an assault onto an enemy position"

"He was a great man that will be sadly missed"