A YOUNG Royal Anglian soldier from Suffolk who was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan will be buried with full military honours at his home village next week.

Private James Grigg, of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed by an improvised explosive device whilst on an operation deep in Taliban territory last month.

The Army has confirmed that the 21-year-old Viking’s funeral will take place at All Saints’ Church, Stradbroke, at 1pm on Tuesday.

The Royal Anglian, of 3 Platoon A (Norfolk) Company, who was raised in the north Suffolk village, will be buried at Stradbroke Cemetery with full military honours following the church service. His funeral will finish with drinks at Stradbroke Community Centre.

Pte Grigg, who attended Stradbroke High School and played for the village cricket team, was killed alongside his section commander L/Cpl Scott Hardy, 26, from Chelmsford, on March 16 while serving as part of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group.

The soldier, who joined the Army in 2007, was on his first operational tour with the Royal Anglian Regiment. He died in the explosion near Musa Qaleh in the volatile Helmand province.

His parents, Michael and Pat, and sister Victoria, paid tribute to the passionate cricket fan who had been looking forward to playing a full season with Stradbroke Cricket Club.

His fellow Royal Anglian comrades are set to return from their six-month tour of Afghanistan later this month.

“James’ loss will leave a space in our family life. We grieve deeply but at the same time feel greatly honoured that he should have served his country this way.

“We consider all his comrades to be extremely brave and owe them all a huge debt of gratitude. Our hearts go out to them,” said his family.

More than 750 people have joined a Facebook group paying tribute to Pte Grigg and Radio Stradbroke aired a special show in his memory last week featuring his favourite songs.