MOURNERS packed a church yesterday for the funeral of a Coldstream Guard found shot dead in his barracks.

Nearly 300 people attended the funeral of 21-year-old Coldstream Guard Dean Troy Eddy, in his home town of Billingham, near Stockton.

The soldier was found dead at Shackleton Barracks, in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, on Saturday, August 30.

Yesterday, Coldstream Guards and Green Howards, with whom Gdsm Eddy was on attachment, gave him a full military service at St Cuthbert's Church of England Church, Billingham.

Military padre Philip McCormack conducted the service, while vicar, the Reverend Richmond Smith delivered the eulogy. Coldstream Guard Major Toby Gray and Green Howard Regimental Sergeant Major Karl Cheesebrouger gave readings.

Gdsm Eddy's coffin was draped with the union flag, his cap and belt. As his body was laid to rest, a bugler played the Last Post and a firing party shot three rounds into the air.

"It was a very moving occasion," said an Army spokesman. "Our thoughts are with Coldstream Guard Eddy's family at this extremely difficult time."

The Northern Echo respected Gdsm Eddy's family request for the press to keep away.

* John Smith, 24, a Green Howard, of Shackleton Barracks, is accused of shooting Gdsm Eddy. He will appear at Londonderry Magistrates' Court for a second time, via video link, on Monday, September 29.