Last Post sounded in a Colchester church as a grieving Army widow said goodbye to her husband.

Colour Serjeant Kevin Fortuna, who lived in Colchester with his wife, died in a roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan.

Yesterday, relatives, friends and comrades came together in St Peter’s Church, North Hill, to pay tribute to the A Company, 1st Battalion, the Rifles, soldier.

Before the service, the cortege made its way up North Hill with full military honours.

The Rev Michael Stevenson led the service, during which the large congregation heard eulogies to Clr Sjt Fortuna from his comrades-in-arms.

Towards the end, a bugler played Last Post and Reveille, before the fallen soldier’s coffin was carried out and riflemen fired a volley in tribute.

During the service, his widow, Nia Fortuna, told the congregation: “I have been absolutely devastated by the death of my husband and cannot begin to imagine how my life in the future will be without him.

“Kev was the kindest, funniest and most loving person I’ve ever met. I take great comfort in all the good times we shared together.

“All of my family, friends, and especially the Army, have provided incredible comfort and support over the last couple of weeks.

“My deepest sympathies go to the other Army families who have tragically lost their loved ones in the line of duty.”

Clr Sjt Fortuna, 36, was based in Cheltenham but had settled in Colchester, after meeting Nia there.

He was killed while leading a patrol against the Taleban in Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand province, on May 23.

A very experienced soldier, he had served with distinction in the former Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq.

After the service the funeral procession made its way along the High Street for a private committal at Colchester Crematorium, followed by a reception at Colchester Garrison.