Funeral arrangements for the British soldier from Sandbach who died fighting alongside the Ukrainian forces against Russian invaders have been announced.

The family of 24-year-old Jordan Gatley are busy preparing for the funeral which takes place next week.

A book of condolences was opened at Sandbach Town Hall following his death and tributes poured in from people who knew him.

Jordan is having a military funeral as a veteran of the British Army and a soldier of the Ukraine International Foreign Legion

A church service will take place at 1.30 pm next Monday (August 8th) at St Mary's Church, Nantwich before the final journey to the crematorium in Crewe at 2.45 pm.

A wake will then take place at Sandbach Rugby Club in Bradwall Road for Jordan who lived in Sandbach and is a former pupil of Sandbach School.   

A post released on Social Media by his family read: "After what has been an horrendously long and sad six weeks, Jordan has finally arrived home to the UK.

"The funeral arrangements have now been confirmed with the service taking place at St Marys Church in the centre of Nantwich at 1.30 pm on Monday, August 8th.

"His final journey will be to the crematorium in Crewe for 2.45 pm where, as per his wishes, he will be cremated. This will be followed by a wake in Sandbach.

"There is an open invitation to all parts of the funeral, (service, crematorium and wake) as we would be honoured to share his last journey, and would also be honoured to meet many of his friends and colleagues that we do not know.

"As Jordan is being cremated, perhaps flowers are not necessary, although a small donation to help people of the Ukraine who are still suffering, may be more appropriate.

"These are the people that Jordan was defending. His fight may be over, but theirs isn't. We will also be donating to Help for Heroes, with optional cash/card collection points in church for both charities. https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal or https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

"He will be remembered as a soldier, a warrior who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending others, but most of all he will be remembered as our Son and Brother - Dean, Sally and Adam x".

Dean Gatley and son Jordan

Jordan was shot and sadly killed in the city of Severodonetsk, Ukraine at the beginning of June.

Jordan's dad, Dean, said at the time: "We have had several messages from his team out there telling us of his wealth of knowledge, his skills as a soldier and his love of his job.

"His team say they all loved him, as did we, and he made a massive difference to many people's lives, not only soldiering, but also by training the Ukrainian forces.

"Jordan and his team were so proud of the work they were doing and he often told me that the missions they were going on were dangerous, but necessary.

"He loved his job and we are so proud of him. He truly was a hero and will forever be in our hearts."

An adviser to the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted that Jordan was a "true hero" following his death.