A HUGE show of emotion and affection was displayed at the funeral of a bright young soldier who died after a recent road accident in Germany.

Craftsman Craig Atkinson, 19, was one of three soldiers killed as a result of the accident, when the Land Rover in which they were travelling crashed off a civilian road and came to rest against a tree.

They were flown to hospital, where Cfn Atkinson died from multiple injuries. Colleague Craig Smith, plus Gunner Kenneth Laga were also confirmed dead at the hospital.

A fourth soldier, who was driving the vehicle, was initially in a critical condition but is now recovering, and German and military investigators plan to speak to him further to discover what caused the crash.

The accident, on August 31, took place near Gutersloh, where Cfn Atkinson was based as a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, attached to the 26th Regiment of the Royal Artillery (26 RA).

He was the only son of former Light Infantryman Paul Atkinson and his wife Tracy.

Since leaving the Army, Mr Atkinson has been marshall at Durham School, where he oversees security and transport, as well as coaching rugby.

Saturday's full military funeral, at Durham School Chapel, attracted hundreds of current and ex-servicemen, plus friends and relatives of the Atkinsons.

Among the mourners from across the world, were Cfn Atkinson's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Skeates, plus many of his colleagues from the 26 RA, who acted as pallbearers and formed a firing party at his burial, later, at Durham Cemetery.

Mr Atkinson said he and his wife were amazed at the response, which has seen more than 200 cards and sympathy messages delivered to their home, as well as the huge turnout on Saturday.

"The messages and flowers that have been left have been heart-warming and we just could not believe so many people came to the funeral.

"There were guys I had not seen for 25 years who were there.

"A lot came over from his base in Germany and some, literally, had to go straight back to be back on duty.

"The funeral was unbelievable and, at the cemetery, it was almost like a state burial.

"I didn't know the form, but at the wake, at the school dining hall, I just gave the toast and thanked everyone for coming.

"The response of the school, the military community and from Craig's civilian friends has been awesome."

A full inquest into the circumstances of the accident is expected to take place in Birmingham, but possibly not until the New Year.

* The Northern Echo's reporting and photographic staff attended the funeral with the family's permission.