UP to 700 mourners turned out for the funeral of a Walthamstow-born soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Warrant Officer Darren Chant, 40, was among five servicemen shot dead by a "rogue" Afghan policeman in November.

He was buried at the Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks in central London, where he married four months earlier.

His widow, Nausheen Chant, who will give birth to their son in February, described him as a man of "immense modesty".

The service, held yesterday, was also attended by Duke of Edinburgh.

WO Chant was the most senior non-commissioned officer in his battalion and was also responsible for driving Prince Phillip around whenever he visited Wellington Barracks.

In a written tribute read by her sister, Nelam Riaz, Mrs Chant said: "Behind the tough exterior was an incredibly kind-hearted man who could win over anybody with his persuasive charm."

She added: "His devotion to his children and myself will never be equalled.

"I am left with only memories now, wonderful memories which fill me with pride, and I feel truly enchanted to have spent my life knowing him."

WO Chant leaves behind his widow and three children from a previous marriage.

Prince Phillip met WO Chant's family in private before the service and bowed his head in front of the hearse before entering the chapel.

The coffin was covered with a Union flag and also carried a poppy wreath along with WO Chant’s cap and belt.