Funeral for Merseyside blast death soldier Mark Burgan
Hundreds of people turned out to pay their last respects to a Merseyside soldier who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
L/Sgt Mark Burgan, 28, of Kirkby, was killed with Maj Matthew Collins, 38, of North Somerset, on 23 March. Both were from 1st Battalion The Irish Guards.
People lined the streets of Kirkby as the funeral cortege made its way from the town to the service in Fazakerley.
Eulogies were given by members of L/Sgt Burgan's family at Holy Name Church.
His widow, Leanne, told mourners her husband would now be with their son, Archie, who died just after his birth in 2009.
"I think maybe Archie needed one of us. Daddy will look after you now and tell you all the things that we'd spoken about," she said.
"You can have all those real squashes and kisses goodnight - just make sure you both save lots for me."
The congregation applauded as Mrs Burgan concluded her eulogy. "Baby, you are forever in my heart and forever in my soul." she added.
Following the service, which was open to members of the public, a private cremation took place.
Last month, hundreds of people gathered in Wignall Park in Kirkby to release 2,000 Chinese lanterns his memory.
L/Sgt Burgan was also honoured at Liverpool's game against Manchester City at Anfield on Monday, and at Everton's game against Aston Villa on 2 April.