ABERGAVENNY was brought to a standstill on Sunday as more than 1500 gathered at the town's cenotaph to pay tribute to Private Richard Hunt, the 200th UK solider killed in Afghanistan.

Friends and family along with members of Private Hunt's regiment 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh were joined by local councillors and members of the public at a memorial service on the day which would have been his 22nd birthday.

Private Hunt, from Penpergwm, died on Saturday, August 15 at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Selly Oak, from wounds sustained in Helmand Province. He had only be in Afghanistan for three weeks when he was wounded as a result of an explosion while on a vehicle patrol near Musa Qaleh in Helmand province on the morning of August 13.

At 2.15pm, the time Private Hunt died, Frogmore Street fell silent as The Last Post announced the start of the minutes silence.

His parents Philip and Hazel Hunt were joined by their children Alun, Jayne and Fee whilst his best friends James Cunningham, Jonathan Cholakian and Hywel Matthews provided support.

Also standing to attention at the cenotaph was Private Hunt's dog, Isobel, a dog he loved very much and had provided many happy memories for his friends. As James had told the Chronicle last week, "He loved that dog, we had many good times walking Isobel up the Sugar Loaf and the Blorenge. We had so many good times."

Bouquets of flowers, birthday cards and even a bottle of Jack Daniels were placed at the cenotaph.

A card left by Mr and Mrs Hunt read, "To our darling brave and handsome boy you will be in our hearts and memory forever, all the love in the world, now and forever, mum and dad."

Mr Hunt left a copy of computer game Call of Duty: World at War with a message, "Happy Birthday 'Hunty', play you again one day, Dad."

Cards were also left by Private Hunt's brother Alun and sisters Jayne and Fee. His girlfriend, Rhiannon Simmonds wrote, "My heart will always be with you. I will love you always and forever."

Friend, James Cunningham, who helped organise the service said, "It was outstanding the amount of people who came, it was breathtaking. We can't thank everyone enough.

"There were people there who didn't know who Richard was but came to show their support, all sticking together during a horrible time."

"The family have been overwhelmed as they weren't expecting so many people to come."

Over £2,000 has been raised for Help for Heros by the selling of cards and wrist bands on Sunday. Plus £800 has been be donated to a just giving site set up by James.

His Company Commander, Major Huw Jones, said Private Hunt had enthusiasm and commitment, he said, "Richard was a fine soldier; fit, professional and extremely brave. He had huge potential and was at the peak of his game, having just completed an arduous and demanding sniper course.

"Despite the danger he threw himself at the task with the boundless enthusiasm and selfless commitment which was his hallmark - he set an example for us all.

"We have lost a man of great courage and skill, and it has wounded us deeply."

Local AM Nick Ramsay, who attended the service said, "Abergavenny is clearly mourning the loss of Private Richard Hunt, as was demonstrated by the large number of people attending the memorial service at the cenotaph.

"Richard was a tribute to his family and the town, and will be sadly missed.

"It is important we recognise the huge sacrifice made by our troops in Afghanistan, and that they are given all the support and equipment they need to continue their work, and for their own protection."

Private Richard Hunt's funeral will take place today at St Mary's Priory Church, Abergavenny at 12pm followed by a reception in The Priory Centre.

He will then be laid to rest at a private family ceremony in Llanellen.

To celebrate Private Hunt's life, friends are invited to a party and hog roast the family farm in Penpergwm at 6pm today.

If would like to donate to to Help for Heros visit http:http://www.justgiving.com/jay-c">www.justgiving.com/jay-c