THE funeral of a Cwmbran soldier killed in Afghanistan earlier this month will be held in Coventry on June 25.

Corporal Michael Thacker, who was killed on June 1, will be held at Coventry Cathedral on June 25 at 2.45pm.

Cpl Thacker, 27, had been living in Coventry, with his wife Catherine and their two-year-old daughter Millie.

The couple had been married for six years and had settled in Coventry, Catherine's home city. Cpl Thacker was born in Swindon but spent most of his childhood in Cwmbran when the family moved to Wales.

The former Fairwater High School pupil also leaves behind his mother Alison and brothers Marc, Matthew, 25, and Ashley, 23.

Mum Alison Thacker, from Greenmeadow, described her son as "bubbly and happy" and said the family is very proud of him.

Cpl Thacker had joined the army in 2004 and had completed tours in Iraq and Northern Ireland.

He died after being shot while on watch with 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh in Helmand Province.

Tributes have continued to be left to Cpl Thacker on Facebook.

Dean Howard wrote: "It was a privilege to have known and served with you."

Vickie Gibson wrote on 'In Memory of Corporal Michael Thacker' page: “Your job was to watch over the world and keep us safe. Now all you have to do is watch over your precious family and keep them safe.”

Kirsty Sutton added: "RIP Michael Thacker, sending love to you and your wonderful family. A true hero, always the one who could make anyone smile. Will never forget you."