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People gather for soldier funeral Brother's tribute to army 'hero'
(about 2 hours later)
Mourners have gathered for the funeral of a soldier from Edinburgh who was shot dead in Afghanistan. The brother of a British soldier shot dead in southern Afghanistan has paid an emotional tribute to his "best friend and hero".
Sgt Jonathan Mathews, 35, of The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, died on 28 July.Sgt Jonathan Mathews, 35, of The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, died on 28 July.
He was killed while on foot patrol in Helmand Province after his party came under enemy attack. He was killed while on foot patrol in Helmand Province after his party were fired on by Taliban fighters.
The funeral service for Sgt Mathews, who was from Penicuik, Midlothian, is taking place at the town's Sacred Heart RC Church. About 350 mourners gathered for Sgt Mathews' funeral in his hometown of Penicuik at the Sacred Heart RC Church.
He was in Afghanistan providing mentoring and training for the Afghan Army. He is survived by his wife Shona, daughter Meghan and stepson William.
The shooting happened west of the town of Lashkar Gah, as UK troops patrolled alongside Afghan army personnel. During the service, David Mathews recounted childhood memories of his brother and said his family was his "greatest love and passion".
He went on: "He was a proud Royal Scot and finally sergeant in the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
"It has been written this week that Jon died doing what he loved. This is very true, and we are proud of him.
"In my eyes, he was fearless and courageous beyond measure. I will miss him, but so will so many of us here."
He added finally: "Jon, you will always be, and you always have been, my brother, my best friend and my hero."
Sgt Mathews was in Afghanistan providing mentoring and training for the Afghan Army.
He was shot west of the town of Lashkar Gah, as UK troops patrolled alongside Afghan army personnel.
The soldier's battalion was attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.The soldier's battalion was attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.
He leaves a wife, daughter and stepson.
At the time of his death, his family issued a statement saying Sgt Mathews had trained all his life to join the army and loved what he did.