Hundreds of mourners at a double funeral for a proud mum and her soldier son heard how the squaddie enjoyed life to the full.

The Rev Harry Gwinnett, vicar of St James’s Church in Thornton yesterday told those gathered to say their final farewells to Lance Corporal Daniel Hague, 32, and his 50-year-old mother Sally that the soldier’s life had also been one full of love – especially for his family and son Dylan.

“Daniel loved all that life was, the excitement of a fast life – and fast cars too. It was a fast way of living but one that was also full of love,” he said.

LCpl Hague had been home on compassionate leave to see his desperately-ill mother when he died in a crash on September 16 in which two others were also killed.

Yesterday colleagues from his regiment carried his coffin, bearing his cap, belt and operational medals, into the church. His mother’s coffin was carried in after him.

They were watched by about 500 mourners who crowded into the church, with many having to stand outside in the rain.

LCpl Hague’s death had initially been kept from Mrs Hague by her family who feared it would worsen her health but a friend said she had been told about the tragedy before she died at her Thornton home on November 6.

Tributes were paid at the service by LCpl Hague’s brother Stephen who said the past few months had been the worst time for any family to bear and that his brother and mother had left a massive void behind them.

“We are grateful we had them in our lives. We love you both. W will always hold you in our lives,” he said.

He also said he and his siblings could not have asked for a better “loving and caring” mother and also spoke of her great pride of Daniel.

He added: “When he (Daniel) wasn’t being a soldier he loved spending his money on three things, socialising, fast cars and being a lady’s man – the rest of his money he squandered!”

The father-of-one had been due to return to his Lancashire-based unit the day before the high-performance Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution he was a passenger in went out of control and ploughed into a hairdressing salon in Thornton, but he had managed to extend his leave after his mother’s health had deteriorated in hospital.

LCpl Hague, who leaves a son Dylan, was a former pupil of Yorkshire Martyrs School in Bradford and started his Army career in the Royal Logistics Corps before joining the Force Support Squadron, 2 Medical Regiment.

His Commanding Officer Major Dave Pickering said after the funeral: “The sudden and tragic passing of LCpl Daniel Hague has been felt by every member of 2 Medical Regiment.

“A strong and charismatic leader, Daniel was an exceptional soldier who served his country proudly and selflessly. A team player, Daniel always maintained a cheerful and positive attitude, no matter how steep the challenge, and set an excellent example to his fellow soldiers. An inspirational and popular character he will be sorely missed by all.”