HUNDREDS are expected to line the streets when the military funeral of Irish Guardsman Christopher Davies takes place today (Friday, Dec 10).

The 22-year-old soldier, shot dead last month in an ambush in Afghanistan, will be buried at St Helens Cemetery.

Beforehand, a funeral cortege will set off from the father-of-one’s home and head through the town before arriving at St Mary’s Lowe House church for a service that is due to begin at 11.30am.

Crowds are expected to gather along the route – which had not been confirmed as the Star went to press – as the St Helens public remembers one of our own.

Servicemen will be pallbearers for a service inside the largest Catholic church in the town, where mourners will gather.

An army spokesman confirmed it has been classified as a family service to ensure Christopher’s loved ones, friends and comrades gain access to the church.

Among the congregation will be a number of serving and former Guardsmen. Christopher’s younger brother John, who served in the same battalion, will be with the family after flying back from Afghanistan.

A choir of former Irish Guardsmen are expected to sing during the sombre farewell.

Dignitaries, including the Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Neil Taylor and The Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Lorna Muirhead will also pay their respects.

Following the service, Guardsman Davies will be buried at St Helens Cemetery, which is strictly for close family and friends.

Soldiers will fire a volley of shots as a mark of respect.

A number of former Guardsmen have contacted the Star this week explaining how they will gather in St Helens for the funeral.

George Hughes, 73, a former Grenadier Guardsman said: “I would like to lend my support to the family. When you join the regiment of any brigade of guards you not only join the regiment you join a family.

“And you may leave that regiment but you never leave the regimental family.”

Christopher, a former pupil at St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School in Dentons Green and De La Salle High School, has been saluted as a “cracking lad” who demonstrated the diligence necessary to be the perfect soldier.

He leaves a daughter, Lucy.

Guardsman Davies’s family have requested that any donations be made care of the family to the Soldier’s Charity (The Army Benevolent Foundation).