An Irish-born soldier who survived Afghanistan was accidentally shot dead during training when he was hit by machine gun fire from 1km away, an inquest in Cardiff has heard.

A Royal Irish Regiment ranger, described at his funeral Mass as a gentle giant, was laid to rest with military honours yesterday after he was killed by a stray bullet during a training exercise in Wales.

A COLLECTION of George Best memorabilia, collected by his late father Dickie over a 40-year period, was sold last night at an auction in Belfast.

Shirts worn by defenders who were tormented by George Best are among rare items for sale in an auction of memorabilia owned by the family of the late footballing legend this week.