WOOTTON Bassett again fell silent as the town paid tribute to the latest victim of the fighting in Afghanistan.

About 100 people, including servicemen and soldiers, stood still yesterday as the body of Corporal Danny Nield made its way through the town, his coffin draped in the union flag.

Cpl Nield, 31, from Cheltenham, had served with 1st Batallion The Rifles and died on Thursday.

He died after an exchange of fire while on a joint UK and Afghan National Army patrol north of Musa Qala, in Helmand Province.

The MoD said he had served on operations in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Kosovo and had already completed a previous tour of Afghanistan.

Abbey Sprague, 18, the head girl of Wootton Bassett School, said that the day was vital to the families of the soldiers whose bodies passed through the High Street.

She said: “This means so much for the families to see such a turnout in a town full of people.

“I think Wootton Bassett is full of heroes.

“It epitomises small town Britain. That is why is so good it happens here.”

Major Chris Willis, who was representing Cpl Nield’s commanding officer at the repatriation, said the tributes were special because the town was not asked to become involved but did so anyway.

He said: “It is very humbling to be here and it is largely appreciated that this ceremony goes on both to the servicemen and their families.

“It never ceases to move me.”

Avril Roe, the clerk of Lydiard Tregoze Parish Council, said if her son died in battle it would comfort her to know that a place like Wootton Bassett exists.

She said: “It would make me feel good to know that all these strangers were paying their respects like this.

“And it very much has put Wootton Bassett on the map.

“My neighbour’s friends who live in Australia have even seen a programme aired on Aussie television about it.”

Cpl Nield's parents, Peter and Sheila Nield, paid tribute to their son. A statement said: “Danny lived for the Army, and was proud to serve his country.

“He died doing the job he loved.”

His death takes the total number of British servicemen and women killed since the start of operations began in 2001 to 143.