AN inquest is due to be held today into the death of Highworth soldier Private Daniel Richens who died on New Year's Eve 2002.

He was killed after being involved in an accident with two cars while he was riding his motorcycle in Cheney Manor Industrial Estate.

Pte Richens was buried with full military honours at Highworth Cemetery when more than 250 mourners attended. The 22-year-old had been serving with the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment based at Hounslow Barracks in Middlesex.

He had been due to serve a tour of duty in Northern Ireland with his regiment.

Pte Richens' family wanted to donate money collected at the funeral to an Army charity fund, but thieves struck at funeral director Baker and Sons in Highworth and took £1,500 collected, that was being kept in the safe. The safe which weighed a quarter of a ton was later found at Groundwell Industrial Estate after it had been cut open.

His father David Richens said at the time: "The Army did everything for us and we wanted to give something back by donating the money from the collection to the dependence fund.

"I can't believe someone would break into a funeral directors and steal from the safe. By being in the Army, Daniel was doing his bit and he really lived life to the full."