Lee Rigby's Funeral: Soldier 'A Gentle Soul'

Mourners are attending the funeral of Drummer Lee Rigby, where the murdered soldier has been remembered as a "gentle soul" who was "larger than life".

 

Members of the public applauded the 25-year-old's family, who joined about 800 mourners inside for the private service at Bury Parish Church.

Drummer Rigby's wife Rebecca, 30, walked in with the couple's two-year-old son Jack, who wore a T-shirt with the words "My Daddy My Hero" on the back.

Mother Lyn, 46, was in tears as she held hands with husband, Ian, 54, Lee's stepfather.
The soldier's comrades and forces veterans were also applauded as they arrived at the church, where comrades had maintained a guard of honour overnight.

Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson were among dignitaries attending the service.
Delivering the eulogy, Drummer Rigby's commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor described him as "an extremely popular soldier" and a "gentle soul".
"A larger-than-life personality, he loved to perform and belonged in the Second Fusiliers' Corps of Drums.

"He was truly charismatic.
"To be with Lee was to be where it was most fun - the centre of good times and much mischief.
"People fell quickly under his spell. Whether it was in work or off duty, at a ceremonial engagement or on operations, Lee just knew how to lighten the mood.
"He could brighten a room within moments and, by all accounts, clear a dancefloor in seconds if a Whitney Houston track was playing.

"Lee had a natural swagger and the confidence of someone truly comfortable in their own skin.
"He was always happy. His smile was infectious, as was his enthusiasm for soldiering and his passion for life."
Ending his eulogy, the commanding officer said: "Today we, his regimental family, salute a fallen comrade."A talented soldier and musician. A larger-than-life character. A loyal friend and brother-in-arms. A gentle soul.

"Above all a true Fusilier - daring in all things. We all feel his loss keenly. We will remember him with pride always.
"Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with his family and friends. We will continue to do so in the years to come.
"So, thanks be to God for Lee Rigby - father, husband, son, brother, friend, Fusilier. We will remember him."

Lieutenant Colonel Taylor said Drummer Rigby joined the Army in 2006 on his third attempt, fulfilling his "lifelong ambition", and it was "an early indication of how doggedly determined he was when he set his mind to something".The father-of-one, a drummer in the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF), was killed as he returned to Woolwich barracks from the Tower of London on May 22.

The family wanted a private service with mourners asked to show their respects by lining the streets outside.
Mourners will hear the service on loudspeakers from inside the church.
Drummer Rigby's mother, stepfather and widow said good wishes had flooded in from around the globe and across all religions in the last seven weeks.