A NORTH-EAST bomb disposal expert killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan will be given a full military funeral this Friday.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Charlie Wood, of Middlesbrough, was killed on December 28 after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated while he was leading the clearance of a route through the Khushdal Kalay area of the Helmand River Valley, in Helmand Province.

The funeral for the 34-year-old Middlesbrough fan will be held at St John Evangelist Church, on North Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough, at 1pm.

The cortege will set off from Carey Close, making stops at 141 Ayresome Street and Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium before arriving at the church.

Following the service, the procession will make its way to Teesside Crematorium at about 2pm for a private cremation.

At the time of his death, his wife Heather said "Charlie had an infectious personality who made a positive effect on everyone he met.

"He had a heart of gold and endeared himself to everyone."

His colleagues described him as a "consummate professional" and on Christmas Day had arranged a hot dinner for 150 soldiers and an appearance by Father Christmas and co-ordinated the clearance of a 20kg IED.

WO2 Wood joined the Army in 1994 and also served in Iraq and Bosnia.

He deployed to Afghanistan on November 6 as an advanced search advisor, trained to co-ordinate the detection of IEDs.

North Ormesby Road between Marton Road and Cragg Street and Marton Road at the junction with Cargo Fleet Road to Borough Road will be closed in both directions between 12pm and 2.30pm to accommodate the procession.

Police are advising residents living nearby that gunshots maybe heard at about 2pm for the military salute.