A military funeral for a soldier killed in a roadside bomb blast in Iraq took place today.

Coldstream Guard Anthony Wakefield was blown up almost two weeks ago while on patrol in the southern town of Al Amarah.

St Gabriel's Church, Heaton, Newcastle, was filled with family, friends and fellow servicemen for the funeral.

As the sun shone, pallbearers carried in his coffin which was covered in a Union Flag, with his belt and hat placed on top.

The 24-year-old's death became even more prominent during the election campaign when his estranged wife Ann Toward said Britain should not have gone to war with Iraq.

The Byker-born soldier leaves mother Sylvia Grieve, brother Paul, fiancee Kym Charlton, as well as his wife, from whom he was separated.

Gdsm Wakefield married Ann Toward, 30, in January 2003 and they had two children together, Scott, seven, and Corey, two, before they split up eight months later.

The couple also cared for Ms Toward's daughter, Stacy, 11, from a previous relationship.

He announced his engagement to Kym in January and they planned to marry after his six-month tour of duty.

His children sent a carnation wreath saying ''Daddy'' with a message which read: ''You are our hero and will stay in our hearts forever.''

After the service he was being buried at Heaton Cemetery.