THE funeral of a Malton-born soldier who died in Afghanistan was taking place this afternoon.

Hundreds were expected to turn out to pay their last respects to Serjeant Phillip Scott, who is understood to have lived near Pocklington as a child.

The funeral was being held at 1pm at Aske Hall Chapel, near Richmond.

Serjeant Scott, 30, who left a widow, Ellen, and children Ellie, three, and Michael, one, was killed by an improvised explosive device near Sangin, in the Helmand area of Afghanistan.

His platoon was attached to B Company during a clearance operation aimed at increasing security for local Afghans and preparing the ground for further operations.

He was the 230th member of Britain’s armed forces to be killed on duty in Afghanistan.

Ellen has paid tribute to him, saying: “My husband was a very brave man, loved by all his family, and a very dear husband and father.”

A veteran of the conflict in Iraq, Serjeant Scott, of the 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was serving in Afghanistan with his brother, Robin.

He is understood to have attended school in Pocklington before moving in his early teens to Richmond.

He joined the Army in 2001, following a stint working on the Zetland Estate after he left Richmond School.

He completed initial training at the Army Training Regiment, Winchester, and the Infantry Training Centre, in Catterick Garrison, before he passed out to join C Company, 2nd Battalion, The Light Infantry, in January 2002. During his career, Sgt Scott served twice in Iraq as well as in Northern Ireland.

He also worked as a training officer in Catterick Garrison, before his final deployment to Afghanistan in September.

• The spelling Serjeant is correct for the regiment.