HUNDREDS of mourners gathered at Exeter Cathedral to pay tribute to the 21-year-old son of an Exmouth businessman who was killed while on duty in Afghanistan.

HUNDREDS of mourners gathered at Exeter Cathedral to pay tribute to the 21-year-old son of an Exmouth businessman who was killed while on duty in Afghanistan.

Former Exeter School pupil Jack Sadler, who grew up in Clyst St George, died when the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by a roadside bomb in Southern Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

Cathedral Green came to a standstill as Trooper Jack Sadler's coffin, draped in a Union Flag, was carried by pallbearers from his regiment, the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), from a ceremonial gun carriage past a guard of honour.

The guard of honour, made up of HAC colleagues and local cadets, bowed their heads in silent tribute as Trooper Sadler's coffin was carried into the cathedral, followed by his father, Ian Sadler, owner of Troopers, in Exeter Road, his mother Jeanette MacDonald and girlfriend Pippa Chalkin.

Inside the cathedral, Trooper Sadler's coffin, which bore his regimental cap, was settled next to a single candle.

The service was led by Clyst St George parish church rector Geoffrey Rowe and began with an opening prayer followed by the hymn The Lord's My Shepherd.

During the moving service, Lieutenant Colonel Alastair Caie, Trooper Sadler's commanding officer, praised the 'brave and courageous soldier', saying he 'desired to be the best he could'.

He said: "Jack stood out like a great orange beacon. He was an extremely capable and diligent soldier, mature beyond his years.

"It's quite clear from those who served with him that he would have made a tremendous leader, and he was certainly destined for a very long and successful military career."

After the service, Trooper Sadler's coffin was taken for a private family burial at Clyst St George Church.