SOLDIERS who have recently returned from Afghanistan were among mourners at the funeral yesterday of a brave 21-year-old who died while searching for hidden explosive devices.

Many of the troops owed their lives to Rifleman Mark Turner, of 3 Rifles, who was killed while at the head of a patrol in Helmand on April 4, their platoon commander said.

Hundreds of mourners were at St John’s Church, in Gateshead Fell, Tyneside, for the service, which was held back by a day to allow his comrades to attend after they flew home from action on Tuesday.

Some, still in desert fatigues, wept as they left the service where Lieutenant Will Melia said there were “30 men standing in this church today as a direct result of his bravery”.

He said: “Known to all as Turtle, he was never short of friends and was the beating heart of the platoon.

“He could always be relied upon to brighten spirits and improve morale with his Geordie humour and cheeky smile.”

The soldier undertook “the most dangerous job in the British Army” – searching for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) – and did so with immense courage, Lt Melia said.

“I was privileged to have known him.”

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, said during the service: “Rifleman Turner died doing a job that he loved and for which he had a prolific talent.”

Before the funeral, Colonel Ted Shields said: “Mark Turner was clearly a very brave man. He was at the head of every patrol that went out searching for IEDs.”

He added that the soldier had not only saved the lives of comrades, but also of local people.

Rifleman Turner, of Gateshead, leaves his fiancee Liesha, mother Anne, stepfather Joe, brother Dave and sisters Lisa, Joanne and Julie.

There was applause from mourners gathered outside the church when his coffin was carried out following the service.

■ Wristbands supporting 3 Rifles are available at The Northern Echo’s offices in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, and Priestgate, Darlington. Hundreds have been sold since The Northern Echo launched a campaign to support the 3 Rifles Swift and Bold appeal, which supports injured soldiers and the families of those killed in action. They are available for a suggested donation of £2.

Cheques should be made payable to Central Bank 3 Rifles (Wristband Appeal), or go to swiftand bold.org