MOURNERS gathered to pay their final respects to a young soldier in Crediton today at a full military funeral.
A service in memory of Lance Corporal Jamie Fleming was held at Crediton Parish Church at 11.30am.
The cortege travelled through Crediton High Street on its way to the church.
His coffin, adorned with the Union Jack flag with his beret placed carefully on top, was carried into the church by fellow soldiers.
L'Cpl Fleming, of Spinning Path Gardens, Crediton, spent four and a half years with the Royal Signals, based in Brawdy, Pembrokeshire.
The 21-year-old who had served in Afghanistan, died at the scene of an accident involving his motorcycle and a lorry on Good Friday on the A487 Felindre Farchog to Cardigan road.
Jamie was the son of Alison and Stewart, and brother of Rory, and has been described as a "dear grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and brother-in-arms".
His parents said: "Jamie was much loved by all his family and friends. He was very popular and enjoyed life to the full.
"Jamie was extremely fit, both for his work and during leisure time, and he had recently run a marathon in Ireland.
"He loved his job in the Royal Signals. He had been in the army for four and a half years and had served in Afghanistan.
"He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him."
In a statement released by Dyfed-Powys Police, his parents said that he was taken from them far too soon.
L/Cpl Fleming signed up to join the army in 2008 with the help of a bursary scheme.
Then aged 17, he was the first recruit in Devon to take his Oath of Allegiance under the system, which meant he was awarded £1,000 for every year of his course, a Sports BTEC at Exeter College.
Dyfed Powys police are continuing to investigate the accident and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
