Fire death soldier from Spennymoor laid to rest
The funeral has taken place of a County Durham soldier who died in a fire while serving in Afghanistan.
Pte Dean Hutchinson, 23, of the Royal Logistic Corps, died in a blaze at Camp Bastion along with Private Robert Wood on 14 February.
The service for Pte Hutchinson, known as Hutch, took place at St Andrew's Church in Spennymoor on Friday.
In a statement, his family described him as an "amazing son, brother and boyfriend who was loved very much".
Colleagues said Pte Hutchinson was known for his infectious sense of humour and ability to "get stuck in".
Lt Col Simon Hutchings, commanding officer of Theatre Logistic Group, said: "Private Hutchinson was a soldier with a real zest for life and a razor-like sense of humour.
"As a Geordie he was an immensely fun-loving person, fast-talking and an avid Newcastle United football fan.
"He was hugely proud of his job and the fact that he was one of only a handful of soldiers qualified to operate the Rough Terrain Container Handler, a vital piece of equipment in the logistic support chain.
"Although he is now no longer with us, his presence will be keenly felt by all that knew him. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and girlfriend at this very difficult time."
The cause of the fire which claimed the soldiers' lives is being investigated, but it was not thought to be the result of enemy action, the Ministry of Defence said.