THE funeral of a British soldier who died during the 75th anniversary commemorations of D-Day in France will be held next week.

Lance Corporal Darren Jones, of the Royal Engineers, is thought to have got into difficulties while swimming in a canal in Normandy.

The incident is understood to have happened early on June 2 while the 28-year-old, from Esh Winning, near Durham, was off duty.

L/Cpl Jones died in water at Bénouville, near Pegasus Bridge, the first site to be liberated by the allies on June 6, 1944, after a night out.

French police are investigating and are said not to be looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Clive Bloxham at Newcastle Freeman Hospital on June 14. He gave the cause of death as drowning.

An inquest by coroner for County Durham has been opened and adjourned pending further inquiries.

His funeral will be held in St Cuthbert’s Chapel, Ushaw College on Tuesday, June 25, at 1pm, followed by private cremation.

His family has said donations in lieu of flowers may be given after the service for The Army Benevolent Fund. A bus will be provided from The Stags Head at 12.15pm to take people to Ushaw College and return to Newhouse Club where people are invited for refreshments.