Hundreds of people attended the funeral of a soldier who was due to marry his girlfriend before being killed on duty in Afghanistan, with the service being hailed a “celebration of his life”.

Lieutenant Daniel Clack, of Woodford Green, was killed by an improvised explosive device while leading a 10-man patrol into the village of Dactran on August 12.

The streets were lined with residents paying their last respects as the funeral car made its way to St Pauls Church in Cross Road on Thursday where the service was held.

It was led by Rev Ian Monks who said: “It was a very beautiful occasion because it had the dignity of a military send off but was also full of warmth.

“Daniel’s life and achievements were celebrated in a very moving way with participation and comments on various different aspects on his life.”

Tributes were given by university friends and the chaplain at Bancroft’s School in High Road, which he attended from 1998 to 2005, Rev Ian Moore.

Commanding officer of 1st Battalion The Rifles James de Labilli�re, who in a statement said Lt Clack was “part of the heart and soul of the battalion”, also spoke.

The 24-year-old leaves behind father Martin, mother Sue, brother James and fianc�e Amy Tinley.

Rev Monks has known the Clack family for 50 years as both of Daniel’s parents were pupils at West Hatch School, High Road, Chigwell where he used to teach.

“I have met Daniel on several occasions and you could see the potential that was there,” he said.

“What came over for me during the service was that he was able to maintain his role as leader and keep the friendship and loyalty of his soldiers.

“This highlights just how brilliant he was as a leader of men.”

A rifle shot was fired after the coffin had been carried out of the church and there was then a private committal at Forest Park Cemetery and Crematorium in Hainault.

Lt Clack, a keen sportsman, joined the army in May 2009 and trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for 11 months. He was then deployed to Afghanistan and served as 8 Platoon Commander, based at Checkpoint Shaparak in the district of Nahr-e Saraj.