FAMILY, friends and military personnel gathered together to say a final farewell to a much-loved army sergeant - described as a true Welsh warrior.

The funeral of Sgt Richard Alan Williams, 31, was held with full military honours at St Margaret's Church, Bodelwyddan, today (Friday).

A guard of honour was held and a flag was draped over the coffin. A bike escort, of about 70 bikes, was also performed.

Sgt Williams died on October 22 after being involved in a road traffic accident.

He grew up in Trelawnyd with his mum Anne, dad, Royston and brother, David.

The member of Delta Company who served with the 1st Battalion of The Royal Welsh moved to Rhuddlan.

He was married to Rhian and had three sons - Thomas, Dafydd and Osian.

A spokesperson from the Royal Welsh said: "He was a true Welsh Warrior, he was a veteran of one operational deployment to Iraq, three to Afghanistan and one to Estonia.

"His loss has been felt by the whole regiment and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Rhian, brother David and wider family at this difficult time."

Sgt Williams's bike was ridden by close ex-military friend Lyndon Barton

Posting on Facebook, Russ Palmer said: "Rich enjoyed off road just as much as road riding.

"Rich joined to Army in 2004 into the Royal Welch Fusiliers later amalgamating into The Royal Welsh. He has deployed on Operations all over the world consisting of three tours of Afghanistan, one tour of Iraq, one tour of Northern Ireland and just recently returned from an Operation in Estonia. He has also been on major exercises in Canada and Africa the list could go on.

"Rich was a very keen motorcyclist for most of his life he has rode some amazing places, The Rocky Mountains, State of Montana in the USA, Estonian Swamps, multiple Scotland Trips and he had just returned from a trip around Europe."