A FUNERAL with full military honours will be given to a Darwen soldier who died in a suspected hit and run crash in Greece.

Lance Bombardier Brett Walmsley, 25, of Greenway Street, was killed on a country road in Halkidiki early on Friday morning after being struck by a vehicle.

A 22-year-old man from a nearby supermarket thought to be the driver has been arrested by Greek police in connection with Brett's death.

Now it has been revealed that a service will be held at St Cuthbert's in Blackburn Road, Darwen, at noon on Tuesday, July 24 followed by a committal at Pleasington Crematorium.

Marco Lysiuk, proprietor of Darwen Funeral Services, spoke on behalf of the Walmsley family: Brett's brothers and sister Stuart, 30, Vicky, 23, and Tony, 19, and his parents Stuart and Olwen.

Mr Lysiuk said: "It will be a full military-honoured funeral. The family have requested no flowers apart from family flowers and that any donations be sent to The Army Benevolent Fund care of Darwen Funeral Services."

Mr Lysiuk said it was hoped the body of Brett, a member of the 47th Royal Artillery regiment since 2004, would be flown back to the UK on Wednesday.

The former Darwen Moorland pupil had volunteered for deployment to Kosovo where he been working with NATO peacekeepers and was due for promotion to bombardier when the tragedy occurred.

During his time with 12th Regiment Royal Artillery he was deployed on operations to Iraq and Northern Ireland, as well as on exercises to Oman, Germany, Kuwait and Canada.

Speaking on behalf of 47th Regiment, his Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Carwardine said: "He was an inspiration to all who came into contact with him; his loss is an enormous blow to everyone in the regiment. Our thoughts lie firmly with his family and friends at this time of great sadness for us all."

Brett joined up in 1999, initially serving with the 12th Royal Artillery regiment based at Sennelager, Germany.

Donations to the Army Benevolent Fund can be sent to Darwen Funeral Services, 59-61 Blackburn Road, Darwen, BB3 1EJ.

Alternatively telephone them on 01254 873618.

Click on the link below to post your tributes to Brett Walmsley and read others' messages.