A ROYAL Marine killed in action in Afghanistan was honoured with a military fly-past at his funeral.

A Harrier jet, a Chinook helicopter and a Hercules transporter plane flew low over the picturesque village of North Newbald, East Yorkshire, during the funeral of Lance Corporal Michael Jones.

The 26-year-old was taking part in a special mission to rout out insurgents in Nimruz province, in the south west of the country, when he was killed during a gun battle on July 29.

L/Cpl Jones, a commando in the Special Boat Service (SBS), was taking part in an operation to target a Taliban group planning to carry out attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Although a military fly-past at a funeral is not unprecedented, it is considered unusual and takes place on limited occasions.

Around 500 mourners attended the service at the 12th century church of St Nicholas.

Additional marquees were erected close to the church for those who could not get inside the Norman building.

The service was also broadcast live to colleagues in Afghanistan who could not attend the funeral.

Warrant Officer Doug Hickin, a welfare officer for the Royal Marines, paid tribute to L/Cpl Jones, who he said had been in the Marines for eight years.

Speaking before the service began, Warrant Officer Hickin said: "Mike's family, friends and colleagues are devastated at the loss of a larger than life Yorkshireman who touched the lives of all who knew him.

"As a Royal Marine, Mike was a true professional. He loved being a soldier and always rose to the challenge. Mike relished adversity and would lead from the front, no matter how difficult the situation that lay ahead.

"Mike was passionate about what he and his colleagues were doing in Afghanistan and truly believed they were making a positive difference."

He said: "Mike packed more into his 26 years than most people do in a lifetime.

"All men must die but not all men truly live. Michael Jones truly lived."

During the hour-long service, the hymns All Things Bright And Beautiful and Onward Christian Soldiers were sung while a Special Boat Service prayer was said along with the Lord's Prayer.

The service was concluded with a private burial attended by close friends and family.