12 April 2012 Last updated at 10:37 ET

Marine Luke Taylor's funeral is held in Christchurch

The 33-year-old was killed on 26 March at the main entrance to UK headquarters at Lashkar Gar in Helmand Province.

The family of a Dorset Royal Marine shot dead by a rogue Afghan soldier have said a final farewell.

The funeral for Sgt Luke Taylor, from Bournemouth, was held earlier at Christchurch Priory.

The 33-year-old was killed on 26 March at the main entrance to UK headquarters at Lashkar Gar in Helmand Province.

Ahead of the service, hundreds of people who had come to pay their respects applauded as the cortege drove along Christchurch High Street.

Conducting the service, Rev Peter Rickman described him as a "remarkable character".

"He was a full-on individual with great drive and passion in all he did," he added.

Sgt Taylor is understood to have worked in intelligence and had only been in Afghanistan for four weeks before his death.

He leaves behind his wife Nicola and their four-year-old son Roan.

During the funeral, Mrs Taylor said: "All I can say is that he was the love of my life - my best friend and soul mate."

Sgt Taylor joined the Royal Marines 15 years ago. His commanding officer, who cannot be named because of the nature of his work, described him as "a natural leader with inspirational flair who was devoted to his family".

He was shot dead alongside Burnley-born L/Cpl Michael Foley, 25, from the Adjutant General's Corps.