Home town mourns woman soldier

A book of condolence is to be opened for a female soldier killed while on patrol in Afghanistan.

Hundreds of people are expected to pay tribute to 25-year-old Corporal Channing Day, who died alongside Corporal David O'Connor after they were both injured on patrol with C Company in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on Wednesday.

The book of condolence will be in St Mary's Church in Cpl Day's home town of Comber, near Newtownards, in Co Down.

Mayor of Ards Alderman Hamilton Gregory said the people of Comber felt enormous sadness at the terrible loss the Day family had suffered and wished to show their sympathy and support.

Cpl Day joined the Army in 2005 and served with the 3 Medical Regiment.

The Ministry of Defence said an initial review into the deaths revealed the killings were not caused by "friendly fire". Investigations are continuing.

Cpl Day's sister Lauren described the servicewoman as brave, beautiful and determined, and said she had always wanted to be a soldier.

"She has done more in her 25 years than most women her age and we are so very proud of everything she has achieved," she added.