Family and friends have paid their final respects to a teenage soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Private Nathan Cuthbertson was fatally injured, along with his colleagues Private Daniel Gamble and Private Charles Murray, when a lone insurgent detonated an explosive device as they returned to base in Helmand Province on June 8.

Around 850 mourners attended the 19-year-old's full military funeral which took place in Sunderland Minster. Outside, hundreds more watched the service from a giant TV screen in the grounds of the church.

A seven-man colour party from the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment carried the coffin, draped with a Union flag and Pte Cuthbertson's maroon beret, inside.

Addressing the service, Major Sam McGrath, from 2 Para, said: "What can anyone say to quantify the sacrifice Nathan and his family have made for our country?

"So many dreams, so much potential will remain unfulfilled. He was so proud to follow his father and join the Parachute Regiment. He died doing his duty and doing his best for the people of Afghanistan."

Major McGrath added: "He understood the importance of his job and the threat he faced as he carried it out. He faced these risks every day with the courage and tenacity for two months of a man twice his age."

Pte Cuthbertson, who became the 98th soldier to die in Afghanistan, was buried at Monkwearmouth Cemetery.

He leaves behind parents Tom and Carla, and younger brothers Connan, 15, and Blaine, 14.

The soldier fulfilled his childhood dream by "following in his father's footsteps" and becoming a gunner for the Parachute Regiment, his parents said.

Pte Cuthbertson was described as an "excellent soldier" and a "mega bloke" by his colleagues.

In a statement, his parents said: "He died a hero, doing a job he loved amongst his friends. Nathan had a real passion for life - he always had a smile and was quick to make friends.

"A dearly loved and devoted son, brother, grandson and friend to all who had the privilege of meeting him, his death will leave a massive hole in all of our lives. We will not forget him."

They added: "Nathan realised his childhood dream by following his dad's footsteps and joining the Parachute Regiment as a machine gunner."

Since the three soldiers were killed another six have died in combat - including Corporal Sarah Bryant - taking the total number of British casualties in Afghanistan since 2001 to 106.

Nine British troops have lost their lives in the country in the past two weeks.

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