Charles' tribute for fallen soldiers

The Prince of Wales has laid a wreath on behalf of the nation to remember 72 service personnel who died on recent deployments to Afghanistan.

Around 600 military personnel, dignitaries and many relatives attended a service at York Minister.

Prince Charles was joined by the Defence Secretary Liam Fox, Chief of the General Staff General Sir Peter Wall as members of the 4th Mechanized Brigade were remembered.

As the names of the dead were read out, the Minister's bell tolled. Singer Russell Waton also performed during the service.

The 4th Mechanized Brigade was 6,500 strong for its deployment as Task Force Helmand and returned from a six-month tour of Helmand in October.

Most of its component units, including The Royal Dragoon Guards and The Queen's Royal Lancers, are based at Catterick.

Charles, who is Colonel in Chief of several regiments represented at today's service, was dressed in a grey suit with a Royal Dragoon Guards tie. He was also wearing several lapel badges.

Later, he met bereaved families at Imphal Barracks in Fulford, York.

Brigadier Mike Griffiths, Colonel of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, lost his son during the tour.

Captain Andrew Griffiths, 25, of the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's, died from his injuries after an explosion.

He and his colleagues were trying to clear a compound when he was injured by an improvised explosive device. He died from his injuries on September 5.

His father said: "I think it is hugely important to remember and recognise the sacrifice of all those who died during the tour. I'm here as a father who lost his son. My regiment lost six soldiers, he was one of the six."

He said it was fitting the service was attended by the Prince of Wales.