TROOPS from Bicester were among hundreds paying tribute yesterday to an Oxfordshire bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan.

Glowing tributes were paid at the funeral of Warrant Officer Class 2 Charles Wood, known as Charlie, of Bicester-based 23 Pioneer Regiment.

The 34-year-old, pictured inset, was blown up on December 28, days after organising Christmas festivities for his men in Helmand.

About 180 of WO2 Wood’s colleagues from St David’s Barracks, including officers, members of the sergeants’ mess and many troops, went to his funeral in Middlesbrough.

Before the service, his friend from the regiment, Sgt Neil Hanley said: “We joined up 15 and-a-half years ago, and that’s when our friendship began. Charlie was a very nice lad and a genuine person. His character was infectious and no one had a bad word to say about him.”

Lieutenant Colonel Dom Fletcher said: “He was a hugely popular guy. He died doing a job he loved, a dangerous job, and one he volunteered for.”

On the way to his funeral, the cortege stopped at WO2 Wood’s beloved Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium.

WO2 Wood’s widow, Heather, pictured left, from Langford Village, Bicester, paid an emotional tribute at the ceremony, saying: “There are no loose ends, no words unsaid. I know exactly how much he loved me and he knew how much I loved him. Until we meet again, sleep tight, Mr Wood.”

Bicester’s mayor Richard Mould said: “Our thoughts are very much with WO2 Wood’s family and with his wife at this difficult time.”