Fallen marine Jonathan Crookes is laid to rest

Hundreds of mourners gathered today for the funeral of a fallen Royal Marine from Halesowen laid to rest with full military honours in his hometown.

Around 300 people including friends, family and fellow soldiers paid their final respects to Jonathan Crookes, aged 26, killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on July 16.

Among those saying their last goodbyes at St John the Baptist Church in High Street were his mother Susan, who was joined by his brother Robert, sister Jane and fiancee Danni Davis.

Members of rock band Distant Signal, whom he drummed for, also attended.

The funeral procession made its way along Stourbridge Road, which was lined with onlookers, before arriving at the church at 11.30am.

People fell silent as the coffin draped in a Union Flag was carried into the building by his comrades, dressed in Marine blues.

The service, led by The Rev Andrew Duff, included hymn I Vow To Thee My Country and the Royal Marines' Prayer.

A eulogy was read by Marine Crookes's 24-year-old fiancee who described her partner as the "love of my life". There were also readings by his brother and sister.

It was followed by a private burial where a rifle shot was fired as a tribute to the former Earls High School pupil.

Former servicemen from Black Country branches of the Royal British Legion raised their standards as a mark of respect as the coffin was led past. Dozens of people in the church grounds were wearing t-shirts in support of charity Help for Heroes.

Among those paying their respects was retired secretary Sheila Webb, aged 74, of Hales Road, Halesowen.

The grandmother said: "It's really sad to have lost a soldier from our town, especially one so young but I feel very proud that he was from Halesowen and was serving his country on our behalf.

"He was incredibly brave and I hope he will be remembered by everyone in the town as he fully deserves to be."

Former RAF pilot Trevor McCleod, aged 81, travelled from Worcester with granddaughter, 22-year-old Libby, to be at the funeral. He said: "I wanted to show that the whole country is grateful for what Jonathan Crookes and all the others out there in Afghanistan are doing for their country,"

The family asked for donations from mourners in aid of the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF) in lieu of flowers.

Marine Crookes, who also studied at King Edward VI College in Stourbridge, joined the Royal Marines Reserve in 2005 and was awarded the Commando Dagger for the best all-round recruit during training.

He was a reservist and served in Charlie Company from the 40 Commando Royal Marines.

A part-time international relations student at Aston University in Birmingham, he also worked as a tree surgeon and labourer.

A memorial gig in honour of Marine Crookes and in aid of soldiers' charity Help for Heroes is being organised by his bandmates.