HUNDREDS of mourners are expected to pay their last respects to a young soldier killed in Afghanistan.

A full military funeral is being held for Lance Corporal Alan Cochran, from Pentre Halkyn, at St Mary’s Church, Ysceifiog, at noon on Friday, June 25.

A military escort will bring L/Cpl Cochran’s coffin to the church and several civil dignitaries are expected to attend the service, along with high ranking members of the armed forces.

L/Cpl Cochran, 23, was shot while on foot patrol in Helmand Province.

The former Mold Alun School pupil joined the army in 2006 and served with the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment.

Following his death his mother Shirley Cochran described him as a “tremendous son”.

She said: “He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job he loved.

“We are devastated by the loss of Alan who was a loving son, grandson and brother.

"We are proud of the fact that Alan was prepared to do his duty helping the people of Afghanistan.”