A TRIBUTE from the president of Kosovo was among those paid at the funeral of a young soldier who died abroad in a suspected hit-and-run accident.

Lance Bombardier Brett Walmsley, 25, was given a funeral with full military honours today by fellow soldiers from the 47th Royal Artillery regiment.

Brett, of Greenway Street, Darwen, died after being hit by a vehicle while crossing a country road in Halkidiki, Greece, during a brief break from duty.

He had been working with NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo and was due to be promoted to the rank of bombardier.

More than 300 mourners attended the funeral at St Cuthbert's Church, Darwen.

A family tribute, read out by Major Kevin Thornley on behalf on Brett's parents Stuart and Olwen and his nine brothers and sisters, focused on his main loves in life.

Major Thornley read: "Brett was like a stick of Blackpool rock - with his family, the army, Darwen and Blackburn Rovers running through the middle, all wrapped up in the Union Jack.

"The army was never far away from his thoughts; he even named his dog Tank." He added: "Brett was always genuine, respectful and polite."

The family has received letters from army officials, the secretary of state for defence, Des Browne, and the Kosovan prime minister, Agim Çeku.

They referred to his professionalism and how he was going to make a difference with his skills, knowledge and sense of humour.

Brett, a former Darwen Moorland pupil, joined the army in 1999.

He went on to serve in Germany, Oman, Kuwait and Canada.

Brett's best friend, Bombardier Luke Farrell, said: "He was caring, loving and inspiring in so many ways.

"He loved his friends and family so much that no matter what the cost or what the problem, he would stand by your side."

Warrant officer Colin Cosgrove, said Brett had been a natural leader, with a 'rewarding and promising career ahead of him'.

He added: "He was an asset to my troop, the battery and the regiment.

"His loss is felt by everybody who had the privilege to know him."

Mourners then gathered at Pleasington Cemetery where three shots were fired and his family was presented with a folded Union Jack, his cap, belt and a wreath of poppies.

A civilian police investigation into the accident is ongoing.

A 22-year-old, believed to a be a local supermarket worker, has been arrested in connection with the incident.