A FULL military funeral will be held today for soldier Mick Ansell who died last week after a motorbike accident.

St Nicholas Cathedral, in Newcastle, will be filled with friends and family of Bombardier Ansell for the service this afternoon.

The 30-year-old died when his Hondo motorbike was in collision with a car at Kiln Pit Hill crossroads, about three miles north of Castleside, County Durham, last Tuesday.

Bdr Ansell joined the 39 Regiment Royal Artillery 12 years ago and had served overseas in Cyprus, Bosnia and Iraq during the summer. He moved from Birmingham to the North-East when he was stationed at Albemarle barracks, near Hexham, Northumberland.

He was passionate about his motorbike and enjoyed boxing and playing rugby for the Army.

Bdr Ansell worked for a time as a doorman at Mardi Gras, in Darlington, where he met girlfriend Gemma Smith who worked behind the bar at the club.

Only four months ago the couple moved into their own home in Freville Street, Shildon.

Miss Smith, 23, a veterinary nurse at Castle Veterinary Surgeons, in Barnard Castle and St Helen Auckland, said: "Everyone loved Mick. As soon as you met him you took him to heart, he was easy going and so likeable.

"He was very romantic and often bought me red roses, we were so close. All he wanted to do was be with me. He loved life and could talk to anyone, he was a good friend to everyone who knew him."

Bdr Ansell had three children, daughter Fran and sons Andre and Max, from a previous relationship.

At today's service, a Royal Artillery piper will play and his comrades and close friends will carry his coffin into church.

Miss Smith said: "I think he deserves a full military funeral and the respect that comes with it. The Army and Hexham Hospital, where Mick was taken after the accident, have been very supportive."

The Army had suggested that his family chose the cathedral in anticipation of the large number of mourners expected.