Funerals for RAF man and children

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The funeral of an RAF serviceman and his two children who died in a house fire in Cyprus will take place later.

RAF Corporal Andy Greenough, 37, from Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent, died with his five-year-old son Evan and two-year-old daughter Nia.

Corporal Greenough was babysitting while his wife Eirlys was on a social night out when the blaze ripped through their married quarters last weekend.

The funerals will be held at St Michael's Church in Abertillery.

The Vicar of Abertillery, the Reverend Patrick Coleman, said loudspeakers would be put up for mourners outside the church to hear the service.

The cause of the fire at the family's home at the RAF Akrotiri is still being investigated, but it is believed to have started in the kitchen before spreading rapidly.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing

It is thought Cpl Greenough, described as "a proud Welshman" by his sister Leanne Connor, had watched Wales beat England in the Six Nations championship on Saturday before the fire broke out.

Mrs Connor said: "Andrew loved it in the RAF. It was his life and we were all very proud of him. He was due to come home for a break before going to the Falklands again.

"We are still waiting to find out exactly what happened. But to lose a brother and his children in one go is just appalling."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said on Tuesday that everybody in the small RAF community was deeply saddened by the blaze which destroyed the house.

The spokesman also paid tribute to Cpl Greenough, who was born in Abertillery.

'Tragic event'

He added: "He was a committed member of the RAF for 17 years and was a popular and enthusiastic member of the community.

"His dedication and loyalty to his work were only surpassed by his love for his family and children.

"He was expected to be promoted to sergeant in the near future. He has served in the Falkland Islands and during his time in Cyprus, he played an active role in supporting visiting Tornado squadrons.

"His son Evan was a beautiful, bubbly little boy, whose cheeky smile will be sadly missed by his classmates and teachers at Akrotiri Primary School.

"The whole of the British Forces Cyprus community has been deeply saddened by this tragic event."