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Lee Rigby: Military funeral for killed soldier Lee Rigby: Military funeral for killed soldier
(35 minutes later)
The prime minister and thousands of other mourners have gathered at Bury Parish Church for the military funeral of Fusilier Lee Rigby.The prime minister and thousands of other mourners have gathered at Bury Parish Church for the military funeral of Fusilier Lee Rigby.
Fusilier Rigby's body was guarded overnight during a vigil at the Greater Manchester church by his regiment, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
The 25-year-old soldier, from Middleton, was killed in Woolwich, south-east London, in May.The 25-year-old soldier, from Middleton, was killed in Woolwich, south-east London, in May.
David Cameron was accompanied by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. Fusilier Rigby's body was guarded overnight during a vigil at the Greater Manchester church by his regiment, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
David Cameron arrived at the funeral with London Mayor Boris Johnson.
The soldier's family, who were greeted by applause as they arrived at the church, have thanked people "across the world" for their "overwhelming support".The soldier's family, who were greeted by applause as they arrived at the church, have thanked people "across the world" for their "overwhelming support".
Fusilier Rigby's wife Rebecca said: "There are so many kind and generous people out there.Fusilier Rigby's wife Rebecca said: "There are so many kind and generous people out there.
"It's just horrible that it takes something such as this to make you see how many good people there are.""It's just horrible that it takes something such as this to make you see how many good people there are."
'Real charisma'
The service, which has been relayed to those gathered outside, began with a silent tribute from the crowds in the streets around the church at about 11:00 BST.
Among those outside were hundreds of serving and former soldiers in their regimental ties, blazers and caps, wearing their campaign medals.
Inside the church, Fusilier Rigby was described as a "fantastic soldier" by his commanding officer.
Lt Col Jim Taylor of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers said Lee was "larger than life [and] was always at the centre of fun and mischief, but he was a true regimental character with real charisma and everybody fell under his spell".
The eulogy was met with applause inside and outside the church.
As the funeral began, the regular morning summer train service between Fort William and Mallaig, hauled by the steam loco 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier, paused for two minutes on the Glenfinnan Viaduct as a mark of respect.
At the same time, the regular morning summer train service between Fort William and Mallaig, hauled by the steam loco 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier paused for two minutes on the Glenfinnan Viaduct as a mark of respect.
The engine is owned and run by Ian Riley, whose engineering works are on the East Lancs Railway in Bury.
'Happy memories''Happy memories'
Asked about how Fusilier Rigby would like to be remembered, Mrs Rigby said: "Lee always wanted his service to be a time that people would remember him and shed the tears, but then he always said a remembrance of his life. Asked about how Fusilier Rigby would like to be remembered before the funeral, Mrs Rigby said: "Lee always wanted his service to be a time that people would remember him and shed the tears, but then he always said a remembrance of his life.
"He wanted people to enjoy that and sit and talk about happy days and happy memories they have got of Lee and the things he used to do and say because he was always so full of life.""He wanted people to enjoy that and sit and talk about happy days and happy memories they have got of Lee and the things he used to do and say because he was always so full of life."
Fusilier Rigby's stepfather Ian Rigby said: "I think today should be a celebration of Lee's life, what he has meant to us.Fusilier Rigby's stepfather Ian Rigby said: "I think today should be a celebration of Lee's life, what he has meant to us.
"Lee was a fun-loving lad and that is how he should be remembered.""Lee was a fun-loving lad and that is how he should be remembered."
The service, which has been relayed to those gathered outside, began with a silent tribute from the crowds in the streets around the church at about 11:00 BST.
At the same time, the regular morning summer train service between Fort William and Mallaig, hauled by the steam loco 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier paused for two minutes on the Glenfinnan Viaduct as a mark of respect.
The engine is owned and run by Ian Riley, whose engineering works are on the East Lancs Railway in Bury.
'Honourable send off'
The leader of Rochdale Council Colin Lambert praised local people for the way they had supported the Rigby family.
"We say to everyone keep Lee in your mind, in your thoughts and the thoughts of the family and let's give Lee an honourable send off, he said."
Police and councils have designated "suitable roads" for members of the public to line once the body leaves the church ahead of a private burial at Middleton Cemetery.Police and councils have designated "suitable roads" for members of the public to line once the body leaves the church ahead of a private burial at Middleton Cemetery.
Michael Adebolajo, 28, from Romford, east London, and Michael Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, south-east London, are accused of Fusilier Rigby's murder.Michael Adebolajo, 28, from Romford, east London, and Michael Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, south-east London, are accused of Fusilier Rigby's murder.
Mr Adebolajo is also accused of the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used.Mr Adebolajo is also accused of the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used.