FAMILY, friends and comrades of an Army captain killed in Afghanistan bid him a final farewell at Durham Cathedral today. (Thursday, January 23)

The funeral of Captain Richard Holloway was a private service but hundreds of people, including veterans, showed their respect by lining the streets of Durham city.

Capt Holloway, of The Royal Engineers, was killed by enemy fire whilst on operations east of Kabul, on December 23.

The 29-year-old, from Hamsterley, in County Durham, leaves behind parents Jacquie and Neil, brother Luke and girlfriend Sandy.

Following his death they described him as ‘an exceptional young man’ who was loyal to loved ones and a ‘dedicated and totally committed member of the Armed Forces’.

“Wherever the action was, he wanted to be part of it and that is where our beloved son, of whom we are so very proud, lost his life,” they added.

At the time, Secretary of State for defence, Philip Hammond, said: “It is clear from the tribute that have been paid to him that he was an officer who set the highest of standards and was liked and respected in equal measure by his colleagues and commanders.

“His great contribution and, indeed, his sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

*The Northern Echo did not attend Capt Holloway’s funeral to respect his family’s wishes and at the request of the Ministry of Defence.