GLOWING tributes were paid at the funeral today of a heroic and popular bomb disposal specialist who was killed in Afghanistan.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Charlie Wood, 34, was killed on December 28, days after organising Christmas festivities for his men in Helmand.

On the way to his funeral at St John the Evangelist Church, Middlesbrough, the cortege stopped at his beloved football club's Riverside Stadium.

Before the service his friend Sergeant Neil Hanley, also of the Pioneer Regiment, said: "We joined up 15 and a half years ago and that's when our friendship began.

"Charlie was a very nice lad and a genuine person.

"His character was infectious and no one had a bad word to say about him."

Lieutenant Colonel Dom Fletcher added: "He was a hugely popular guy.

"He was a larger than life character with a fantastic sense of humour.

"He died doing a job he loved, a dangerous job, and one he volunteered for.

"His sergeant major's role meant he had to be at the centre of his squadron, and he ensured his men enjoyed Christmas by taking a tree out with him, organising a dinner and seeing presents from home were distributed."

Sgt Hanley said: "He loved Christmas and wanted to make it special in a difficult environment."