The body of a Northern Irish soldier killed in Afghanistan will be repatriated today.
Lance Cpl Stephen McKee (27) died in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province, when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device on March 9th.
His younger brother, Michael, also serving with 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, was one of the first on the scene after the explosion.
L/Cpl McKee’s body will be flown into RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire where a private ceremony will be held for his family before a cortege passes through nearby Wootton Bassett.
Hundreds of people are expected to join Lance Cpl McKee’s family and members of the Royal British Legion as they line the high street to pay tribute to the soldier.
Lance Cpl McKee's uncle, Richard, a member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, was murdered by the IRA during the Troubles in 1981.
PA