FAMILIES of Bradford soldiers who lost their lives in the Afghanistan war today remembered their loved ones at a special service at St Paul's Cathedral.

The service, which marked the end of 13 years of UK military operations in Afghanistan, honoured the 453 servicemen and women who died in the campaign and recognised the contribution of the Armed Forces, charities, aid organisations and all those in the UK who worked to make it a safer and more stable country.

Among the congregation was the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duke of Cambridge, his heavily-pregnant wife Kate, and Prince Harry - who served two tours during the conflict and Prime Minister David Cameron.

Brian Kershaw and his wife Sharon, of Parkland Drive, Idle, spoke of their pride to be at the poignant service.

Private Christopher Kershaw, 19, was the youngest Bradford soldier to die in Afghanistan when he and five other soldiers were killed when their armoured vehicle was blown up in March 2012.

Mrs Kershaw said: "It was emotional but wonderful. Crowds were lining the streets, on roofs and in windows all clapping and showing their appreciation of what our soldiers have done and the ultimate price some have paid. We felt very proud."

The Kershaws also met Christopher's commanding officer, his friend David Brennan who had been with him when he was killed in the blast and an Afghan General who personally thanked them on behalf of his country for the difference their son and others had made possible.

Also there was Elaine Bell, the mother of Bradford paratrooper Martin Bell, 24, of Idle, who was killed four years ago while rescuing an injured colleague and was posthumously awarded the George Medal.

Wendy Rayner, of Odsal, who was widowed when her husband Sergeant Peter Rayner, 34, was killed in Afghanistan in September 2010 was also at the service.

Another soldier being remembered was Sapper Jordan Rossi, 22, of Baildon, who in May 2009 became the first soldier from the district to lose his life in Afghanistan when he was killed in a roadside blast while on a mine-clearing patrol near Sangin, Helmand Province.

During the service the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, re-dedicated a cross made of shell casings that adorned a memorial wall in the main Allied base in Afghanistan, Camp Bastion.

It forms part of a new Bastion Memorial Wall at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire.

The service was followed by a parade at which the Prince of Wales took the salute as personnel from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, the Army, the Royal Air Force and veterans, supported by military bands and pipes and drums, marched from the cathedral to Guildhall in the City of London.

Aircraft used in the campaign including Chinook, Apache and Sea King helicopters, and Hercules and Tornado aircraft flew over the cathedral and parade in tribute to everyone who served in Afghanistan.