A ROYAL Navy airman from Thanet who was killed in a helicopter crash during the war with Iraq has been remembered at a service attended by the Duke of York.

About 400 people attended a service of thanksgiving and remembrance at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall on Sunday afternoon.

Lieutenant Marc Lawrence, 26, from Westgate, near Margate, was among seven crewmen to die when their Sea King helicopters collided over the Gulf on March 22.

The former Chatham House and Garlinge Juniors schoolboy was due to marry next year and make his home in Cornwall.

Falklands war veteran the Duke of York led the tributes to the crewmen from 849 Naval Air Squadron, who were based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose.

Families of the aircrew, as well as many past and present members of the Squadron, attended the cathedral service where a candle was lit in memory of Lieutenant Lawrence and six others.

The Duke, who served for much of his time in the Royal Navy at RNAS Culdrose, later had a private meeting with members of the families who were present.