THE body of a soldier from Burwell who died in Afghanistan was flown back to Britain this week.Private Robert Hayes, 19, was repatriated with full military honours to the RAF Lyneham air base in Wiltshire on Monday (Jan 11) where a private ceremony was held with his family.

THE body of a soldier from Burwell who was killed in Afghanistan will be returned to the UK on Monday it is understood.

Private Robert Hayes, 19, will be repatriated with full military honours to the RAF Lyneham air base in Wiltshire where a private ceremony was held with his family.

Pte Hayes died after he was hit by an IED blast while out on patrol with comrades from the Royal Anglian Regiment on January 3, making him the British Army's first fatality of 2010.

The 19-year-old former Burwell Village College student was described by his family as a 'gentle and caring person' who had fulfilled a life-long dream by joining up to serve with the army.

Hundreds of mourners including family, ex-servicemen and local people are expected to turn-out to pay their respects.