A RAF serviceman who died in a tragic boating accident is to be given a full military funeral.

Flt Lt John Ball, 54, drowned while taking part in the RAF Sailing Association's Yellowbirds expedition two weeks ago.

The boat is believed to have struck a rock as it approached Teneriffe harbour. Flt Lt Ball, along with other members of the crew, was swept overboard.

He was adjutant for 2624 auxiliary squadron based at RAF Brize Norton and had only recently been given a new posting to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire.

The funeral is on Thursday at St Christopher's Church, RAF Brize Norton, followed by burial at Carterton Cemetery in Black Bourton.

Flt Lt Ball, who was divorced, leaves two grown-up daughters, Samantha and Louise.

The accident, on March 7, claimed the lives of two of the six crew members aboard the RAF Sailing Association boat Minerva. The other was Flt Sgt Steve Fryer, who was based at RAF Bruggen.

They were taking part in the twelth leg of the Yellowbirds expedition, staggered over 17 legs between last September and May this year.

The crew had been held up by bad weather for several hours before they finally attempted to enter Teneriffe harbour.

It is believed the yacht was caught in a swell, but the cause of the accident, being investigated by a Board of Inquiry, is not yet known.

RAF Brize Norton spokesman Flt Lt David Rowe said Flt Lt Ball would be given a full military funeral, including a gun salute, attended by members of his squadron.