Sapper Richard Walker, who grew up on Wearside, was killed in Afghanistan two weeks ago and will be repatriated today.
A North East soldier shot dead by a member of the Afghan National Army has been flown home.
Sapper Richard Walker, from Washington, was described by his family as a "proud, patriotic man, who died doing the job he loved."
They were at his repatriation ceremony in Oxfordshire this afternoon. Earlier, veterans here gathered to pay their respects.
You can see the full report from Claire Montgomery below.
Veterans have gathered to pay their respects to a North East soldier killed in Afghanistan, as he has flown home.
Sapper Richard Walker, from Washington, was shot dead by a member of the Afghan National Army last week.
His family is at a private repatriation ceremony at RAF Brize Norton.
As a tribute to Sapper Walker veterans fell silent in the village of Sedgefield where they gather to mark each loss of life.
Sapper Walker was killed and six others injured when the Afghan soldier opened fire on international and ANA troops.
He leaves behind a young daughter, Lilly-Faith, who he had only known for 18 months before he was deployed for his first tour of Afghanistan in September.
"Richard held two things close to his heart - his daughter and his colleagues
in the Army.
A proud, patriotic man, he died doing a job he loved, supporting his friends."
"Sapper Walker was the epitome of a true Sapper, one who would roll up his sleeves and get on with the task in hand no matter what, but importantly he would do it with great humour."
At 11am, Sedgefield village green fell silent as veterans paid their respects once again.
It has become a local focal point for many as members of Sedgefield Village Veterans gather to mark each loss.
It was confirmed yesterday that another British soldier died in hospital from wounds suffered in combat in Afghanistan. He was from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and was flown back to Britain for treatment.
The number of members of UK forces to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 now stands at 440.
Veterans have gathered to pay their respects to a North East soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Sapper Richard Walker, from Washington, was shot dead by a member of the Afghan National Army last week.
To mark his repatriation this morning, the Sedgefield Village Veterans are holding a special ceremony.
The 23-year-old was serving with 28 Engineer Regiment. He was described by his senior officer as a "true sapper who had a promising future".
His family are expected to attend his repatriation ceremony at RAF Brize Norton.
The body of Sapper Richard Walker, who died in a shooting in Afghanistan two weeks ago, is being repatriated later. The 23 was originally from Leeds but lived on Wearside.