THE parents of two North-East soldiers who were killed in Iraq met Princess Alexandra at the service yesterday.

As Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, she expressed her sympathy to mothers and fathers of the two teenagers, who died during the conflict.

Rifleman Aaron Lincoln, from Durham City, was shot during a gun battle in Basra in April.

The 18-year-old joined up to follow in his grandfather's footsteps.

But he was fatally wounded as he entered a building to identify the sniper who had fired on his patrol.

Private Michael Tench, also aged 18, from Sunderland, was killed by a roadside bomb in Basra City, in January.

His parents, Derek and Janice Murray, said they attended as a mark of respect to Michael.

Mrs Murray said: "She gave us her deepest sympathy and offered us her condolences.

"She said she could not imagine how we were feeling but hoped we would enjoy the service.

"She asked whether Michael had wanted to be in the Army for a long time and we told her from the age of seven.

"It was quite nice because you don't get the chance to meet someone like that so it was quite a privilege."

Dean of Durham the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove paid tribute to their lives during the service.

He said: "The stories of men like Michael Tench and Aaron Lincoln touch us deeply.

"We honour their bravery, for they knew what the cost might be.

"We honour their obedience to their task.

"We offer our memories of the fallen with sadness for the tragedy of their loss, but also with pride and gratitude."