The funeral is being held today of a former Medway school pupil killed in Afghanistan.

Captain Daniel Read, an Army bomb disposal expert, did his GCSEs at Rainham Mark Grammar School before joining the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1996.

In 2004 he completed his Royal Logistic Corps course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Captain Read died as he tried to defuse an explosive device in Helmand Province on January 11.

The 31-year-old was part of a task force to counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Captain Read's widow, Lorraine Read, said: "Dan was so brave, he was my hero and best friend, he was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend.

"He will never be forgotten and always in my heart. I'm so proud and privileged to have been your wife."

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Bex RLC, Commanding Officer, Counter-IED Task Force and 11 EOD Regiment RLC, said: "Dan Read was filled with a zest for life, and I found him instantly likeable when I first met him in November 2008.

"He epitomised the values of selfless commitment, loyalty and deep-seated courage.

"Such was his professionalism and determination that even an injury sustained in a bomb blast in October 2009 could not keep him away for more than two months and he returned to theatre in December 2009 as soon as his injuries were healed.

"Despite the inherent dangers, Dan was determined to return to Afghanistan; he had a job to finish and a team to rejoin. My thoughts go out to Lou, his wife, who was Dan's rock."

Captain Read's funeral is taking place at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall.