A full military service marked the life of 24-year-old Private Kevin Elliott, of the Black Watch, who died on duty in Helmand Province on August 31.

The soldier from Dundee was targeted in a grenade attack while patrolling Babaji District with Sergeant Stuart Millar, 40, who was also killed.

Friends and family of Pte Elliott wore Black Watch tartan ribbons with the words “Kevin Elliott - Our Hero” while Army colleagues turned out in full regimental dress.

Tributes at the 40-minute service at St Mary’s Church in Dundee were led by the soldier’s father, Sandy, who said the day he learned of his son’s death was the saddest of his life.

He spoke of his pride in his son who he said would do anything for his friends and family.

He would be missed as a brother, a grandson, a nephew and a cousin but most of all as a son, he told mourners.

Black Watch welfare officer Captain Lorne Campbell said Pte Elliott had been like a brother to his “second family” within the regiment.

He told around 400 people gathered at the church: “We will not forget the sacrifice, giving his life, protecting his friends, representing his regiment and his country, and so that the people of Afghanistan might have a better future.”

Pte Elliott, who previously served in Iraq and Northern Ireland, had been set to leave the Army earlier this year but was tempted back to serve in Afghanistan at the 11th hour.

In March he had returned his kit and was about to walk out of the Fort George barracks in Inverness when he decided to turn back.

When asked why, he replied: “I didn’t want to miss the boys”, the service heard.

The soldier was killed while defending his colleagues when they came under attack from insurgents in the volatile area they were patrolling.

Pte Elliott attended Braeview Academy in Dundee where he was a keen boxer and footballer.

He joined the Army in 2002 and after training went on to serve with the Fire Support Company.

The service heard he loved to party and was once caught with a fridge full of beer during a room inspection.

Instead of discarding it, he drank the contents of the fridge in front of his platoon sergeant.

Fellow Private Peter Fenton described him as “hilarious, confident, loyal and above all charming”.

“His loss will leave a big hole in the platoon,” he said.

After the service Pte Elliott’s coffin, draped in a saltire, was carried to a waiting hearse outside the church.

Hundreds gathered along Nethergate clapped as the funeral cortege departed at around midday for the soldier’s burial at Barnhill Cemetery.

The funeral of Sgt Millar, known as Gus, will take place in Inverness on Thursday.