Vast crowds have gathered outside the private family service which paid tribute to the 'gentle soul'
Tight security around Bury Parish Church, Greater Manchester, as police swept streets for hazards
Fusilier's son Jack wore a t-shirt saying 'My Daddy, My Hero' as sobbing relatives arrived
Prime Minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson attended the service
The son of Fusilier Lee Rigby arrived at his father's funeral today wearing a t-shirt that said: 'My Daddy, My Hero'.
Jack, Rigby two, arrived at the funeral wearing a blue t shirt with 'My Daddy's A Fusilier. Lee Rigby' printed on the front.
He was joined by hundreds of mourners at the service for the 25-year-old, who was hacked to death outside Woolwich barracks in east London on May 22.
More than 1,000 people lined the streets to pay their respects to the soldier brutally killed in broad daylight.
Members of the public applauded Fusilier Rigby's comrades and forces veterans as they arrived for the funeral service at Bury Parish Church, where comrades had maintained a guard of honour overnight.
Applause also greeted the father's heartbroken loved ones, who joined about 800 mourners inside for the private service just a couple of miles from his home town of Middleton, Greater Manchester.
Members of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers held a two-minute silence to honour the soldier, whose death shocked the nation.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who told the Commons earlier this week that the whole of the UK will be mourning with the family, was among dignitories attending the service. He arrived with the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to a ripple of applause.
Fusilier Rigby, 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.
He had served in Afghanistan as a machine gunner and was attached to the regimental recruiting team when he was murdered in daylight on a street in south London.
The horrific killing led to nationwide shock and revulsion, and led to an outpouring of support for his family from the public.
Serving soldiers, forces veterans and ordinary members lined the streets outside Bury Parish Church where a guard of honour kept a vigil overnight over their comrade’s coffin inside the church.
The service began with a hymn and a reading by Sean Sheer, one of Lee's fellow soldiers and a family friend, bringing laughter from mourners.
He spoke about how they had become friends, and how Lee had adored being a father.
Mr Sheer said he first met Fusilier Rigby when he was posted to the Fusiliers in 2008 and found him the 'most annoying, campest man I have ever met', citing his singing and love of boyband Westlife as the reason.
Mr Sheer said his comrade's young son came 'crashing' into his life but Lee 'took to fatherhood instantly'.
'Everywhere Lee went, Jack went with him,' he said.
'Lee's time on this earth was tragically cut short' but he was a 'loving father and devoted husband'.
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The family broke down as they watched the coffin be carried away after the service. Lee's son, Jack, wore a t-shirt honouring his father
The coffin was taken away from the church as the Fusilier's wife Rebecca tenderly spoke to their toddler son Jack, who had adored his 25-year-old father
The family of Fusilier Lee Rigby follow his coffin as it leaves Bury Parish Church after his military funeral. Mourners clutched teddy bears and wore red ribbons remembering the soldier
Fusilier Rigby, 25, a drummer in the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed as he returned to Woolwich barracks from the Tower of London on May 22
Crowds stood outside in the sunshine, singing along with the hymns and saying the Lord's Prayer before the 50-minute service came to a close and the pall bearers carried out the coffin
The family of Fusilier Lee Rigby; wife Rebecca (centre) with son Jack, mother Lyn (right) and step father (right) follow his coffin as it leaves Bury Parish church
Lee Rigby's cortege drove past a guard of honour, as soldiers past and present held flags to pay tribute to the soldier, who was hacked to death in Woolwich, London
Mourners salute the cortege: Rigby conducted ceremonial duties outside Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London
Fusilier Rigby's coffin, draped in the Union flag and with his bearskin on top, was borne out of the church by six pall bearers in their ceremonial scarlet tunics and placed in the hearse for his final journey
The funeral cortege of Fusilier Lee Rigby drives away from Bury Parish church, as more than 1,000 people were believed to have come to mark the service for the soldier
Tears rolled down the cheeks of Aimee West, the Fusilier's fiancee
We will love you and miss you,' Mr Sheer added.
The service heard how Lee had a 'wicked sense of humour' and was a 'naturally flamboyant character' who quickly became popular with his regiment.
Lt Col Taylor said Fusilier 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'.
Despite a passion for Westlife and other boybands, he had no musical background and no musical skills.
'The drums training lasted six months, during which he drove everyone crazy with his incessant tapping of tables, steering wheels - in fact, anything he could find to practise on while he mastered a new skill.'
He arrived in the Second Fusiliers in Cyprus in 2007, having earned the much- coveted title of Drummer, said Lt Col Taylor, and quickly his 'naturally flamboyant character' made him popular in Fire Support Company and across the whole battalion.
Ending his eulogy, the commanding officer said: 'We have a saying in our regiment that 'once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier.
'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.'
RIGBY FUNERAL: Solder's two-year-old son arrives wearing t-shirt...
Fusilier Rigby's mother fought back tears, holding her husband's hand, and spontaneous applause rang out as the family left after the service and the hearse drove away
Heartbreak: The family of Drummer Lee Rigby leave the church in wake of his coffin at the end of the service
Saluting a fallen comrade: Senior officers stand to attention as the coffin is put back on to the hearse
Comfort: Family members walk away from the service (left) in which Lee Rigby was described as a good father and comrade, and a little girl joins crowds (right) to pay respect as mourners make their way to funeral service
In London with the Second Fusiliers Fusilier Rigby conducted ceremonial duties outside Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.
His commanding officer said: 'As a Drummer, the pace of life for Lee was relentless.
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The saddest homecoming: Lee Rigby's distraught widow carries their little boy behind murdered soldier's coffin on eve of funeral
'Lee's killers backfired... he's become a hero and a martyr': Family of soldier killed in Woolwich atrocity speak out to thank public for 'overwhelming support'
'Through it all, Lee wore his scarlet tunic with pride. He loved entertaining the crowds outside the Royal Palaces.'
The highlight of Fusilier Rigby's time there was when he was invited to take part in the Household Division's Beating Retreat, mourners were told.
'This is a real honour for a line infantry regiment like the Fusiliers and no-one was more pleased than Lee that it was bestowed on his platoon,' Lt Col Taylor said.
'He was widely regarded in the Drums Platoon as one of the best drummers in the battalion.
Heartbroken mourners embraced each other before they entered the church, where the mourners heard a touching tribute about the Fusilier
The Fusilier's grieving mother Lyn said the support given to the family by the public after Lee's death had been overwhelming
Aimee West, who was the Drummer's fiancee, arrives at Bury Parish church in Bury, Greater Manchester for the funeral, wearing her engagement ring
His stepfather Ian brushed away a tear as he arrived for the service, while his grieving mother Lyn sobbed as she entered the church, wearing a bow to honour him
Ian Rigby (centre left) stepfather of Fusilier Lee Rigby, arrives with family members for the funeral as veterans applauded them in a show of support
Beefeaters, retired servicemen, relatives and politicians arrived early before the funeral, which was held more than two months after the soldier was killed
Difficult day: Aimee West attends the funeral of her boyfriend
'He was also competitive and mischievous during the performances. He often tried to make the drummers either side of him drop a stick during a stick beat through his more skilful and incredibly energetic performance.
'Many of the drummers remember finishing events relieved that they still had both sticks in their hands but with incredibly bruised fingers. Lee found this highly entertaining.'
The service was officiated by the Rev Dr John Findon. Mourners sang hymns including Who Would True Valour See, Lord Of All Hopefulness and I Vow To Thee My Country. The choir sang Deep Peace Of The Running Wave.
The town of Bury, which has strong military links to the Army, has from early morning been swamped by old and not so old former soldiers in their regimental ties, blazers, caps and proudly wearing their campaign medals.
Floral tributes filled one car in the funeral cortege, including one in the shape of 'Daddy' with the message 'My Dad, My Hero. Always proud. Lots of love, Jack.'
A message on another tribute from his widow said: 'My husband, my hero. Forever in my heart. Sleep tight baby. Love always, Becky.'
Another in the shape of a drum came with the message: 'Beloved Grandson from Nana and Grandad Seville. Rest easy' and one from his mother and stepfather, spelling out the word 'Son', had a message ending with the words: 'Sweet dreams our beautiful boy.'
Crowds outside stood in the sunshine, singing along with the hymns and saying the Lord's Prayer before the 50-minute service came to a close.
Fusilier Rigby's coffin, draped in the Union flag and with his bearskin on top, was borne out of the church by six pall bearers in their ceremonial scarlet tunics and placed in the hearse for his final journey.
His wife, mother and stepfather watched from the steps, his young son clutching his mother's hand and looking bewildered as he scanned the crowds outside.
Fusilier Rigby's mother fought back tears, holding her husband's hand, and spontaneous applause rang out as the family left after the service and the hearse drove away.
A private committal followed the service which was attended only by close family and friends.
Fusilier Lee Rigby was a 'fantastic soldier', his commanding officer said today before he delivered a eulogy at his funeral.
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor, commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF), said: 'He was larger than life, he 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.'
Lt Col Taylor, speaking outside Bury Parish Church, added: 'We are here to honour him today and as a regiment support his family, stand shoulder to shoulder with them at their time of need.
A private committal followed the service, which David Cameron and Boris Johnson attended, that only close family and friends were part of
David Cameron and Boris Johnson looked solemn as they left the service, which described Lee Rigby as a hero and a popular soldier in his Regiment
Mayor of London Boris Johnson (right) and Prime Minister David Cameron arrive for the funeral service of Fusilier Lee Rigby
Prime Minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson were among the 800 mourners who attended the touching service
Prime Minister David Cameron told the Commons earlier this week that the whole of the UK will be mourning with the family at the funeral
IN FULL: Lee Rigby's widow emotional interview
'But it is also a day that we as a regiment want to remember him for the true character he was.
'One of the things about the Fusiliers as a regiment is, we are a family regiment and that is not just the immediate family within the corps of drums but much wider to that.
'We are standing here today in Bury which is one of our regimental heartlands and the church behind me is the spiritual home of the Lancashire Fusiliers and has been for hundreds of years.'
Rebecca Rigby (right), wife of murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby, arrives holding the hand of their son Jack, who clutched a teddy bear
His mother clung to his stepfather as they walked into the church, where they heard touching tributes to the 25-year-old, which remembered his love of music and his flamboyant personality
A mourner clutched a teddy bear wearing a Fusilier uniform before the service began, which paid tribute to Lee as a 'larger-than-life character'
Toddler Jack Rigby arrives for the funeral service of his father clutching the hands of mourning relatives
Countless floral tributes were left outside the church in colours of red, white and blue. Crowds gathered to join the mourning outside of the Bury service
Lt Col Taylor said the public’s support 'meant the world' to him and his soldiers after the death of Fusilier Rigby.
He added:'We are a true family regiment and look after each other and the family of our soldiers.
'I would like to thank personally the people of Bury for the reception they gave Lee yesterday and the support they showed to his family and to the regiment.
A host of people arrived to show their respects for the fusilier. A policeman appeared to brush away a tear, as he was joined with sombre Beefeaters at the service
Members of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers march through the high street for the funeral service of Fusilier Lee Rigby at Bury Parish Church
Serving soldiers, forces veterans and ordinary members are lining the streets outside Bury Parish Church
Mourners arriving for the funeral service were applauded by members of the public who were there to remember the 25-year-old
'This is a regimental heartland and the people of Bury have been long associated with the Fusiliers and I expect the people of Middleton will do exactly the same as we take Lee to his place of rest later on today.
'It means the world to us as a regiment to see the public support. I have been inundated with letters from around the country, around the world showing solidarity with us as a regiment and passing on sincere condolences, which has been deeply touching.'
His family and regiment paid an emotional tribute leading up to the funeral, saying that the father had become a hero after his death, and support from around the world had helped them endure their overwhelming grief.
The town of Bury, which has strong military links to the Army, has from early morning been swamped with well wishers - from members of the public to veteran soldiers
Members of the public outside Bury Parish church in Bury, Greater Manchester gathered to pay tribute to the heroic soldier, who had a 'gentle soul'
Crowds gathered for the funeral. Lee Rigby's commanding officer, Lt Col Taylor, said the public's support 'meant the world' to him and his soldiers after the death of their comrade
Mourners listen to the service of the funeral of Fusilier Lee Rigby, which was played aloud as 800 mourners gathered inside the church
Retired Fusiliers gather outside the Bury Parish Church. Rigby, 25, of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was hacked to death in broad daylight near his barracks in Woolwich, southeast London
British legion members stood outside the church to show their solidarity for the family, who say that Lee's death has made him a hero and a martyr
His mother Lyn, 46, said: ‘We have received overwhelming support from the public, friends, family.
‘We have had thousands of cards, with kind words. That basically has given us the strength to get through this time.’
His stepfather Ian, 54, said the support showed how the motives behind his murder could be defeated.
‘Whatever the intention was, it’s backfired because it’s made Lee into the hero and the martyr,’ he said.
‘And the support and the unity through the country... we have been having phone calls or letters off mosques, off Jewish sections, every religion you can think of and not just in this country.
‘The country is united, whatever elements may wish to stop it. It’s not working because it’s working the other way.’
Mr Rigby said the family wanted today’s funeral to be a celebration of his life. ‘Lee was a fun-loving lad and that is how he should be remembered,’ he said.
A set of flower spells 'SON' among the flowers left in tribute for the 25-year-old had a message ending with the words: 'Sweet dreams our beautiful boy.'
Patriotic: A floral tribute marked 'Class of 83' left outside the church in Bury, Greater Manchester. A card attached says 'thinking of all your family'
Caring: A floral tribute 'from the inlaws' left for Drummer Lee Rigby outside the church
Paying respects: A wreath of red carnations is left on the floor outside the church ahead of the service
A floral tribute from Lee's parents promised to never forget the soldier. Earlier his mother Lyn had said: 'We have had thousands of cards, with kind words. That basically has given us the strength to get through this time.'
A bearer holds an invitation to the funeral. Thousands of mourners took to the streets, as people were determined to show their solidarity in the face of the Fusilier's brutal, and senseless, killing
‘We would like today a certain amount of respect and dignity, but we would like it to be Lee’s day and Lee remembered as how he was.
‘We don’t want everybody crying and getting heartbroken. We would rather enjoy Lee’s memories as he was with us.’
His widow said his own wishes had been for a funeral ceremony that was 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,’ she said.
‘He just wanted to put a smile on everyone’s face.’
Yesterday, hundreds of people lined the streets as the father-of-one's family attended a vigil at Bury Parish Church.
Police checked flowerbeds and fences amid tight security ahead of the funeral of Fusilier Lee Rigby at Bury
Hundreds of mourners are expected to turn out to show their respects for the murdered father-of-one today
Police left no stone unturned as they carried out security checks ahead of Fusilier Lee Rigby's funeral by inspecting tributes, roads and flower baskets
Fusilier Rigby, pictured in his uniform and with his son Jack, pictured right, who is now two, was killed as he returned to his barracks
Comrades, forces veterans and members of the public lined the route to Bury Parish Church where soldiers kept a guard of honour over the body of Fusilier Rigby overnight before his funeral today.
The soldier's loved ones will lead mourners at the private service in Bury, where there is a strong security presence.
The family, who have been inundated with cards, letters and flowers in condolence from all over the country and abroad and from all faiths, wish for a private service.
Well-wishers have been asked to show their respects by lining the streets outside, where they will hear the service on loudspeakers from inside the church.
Earlier, police officers swept the streets of Bury ahead of the funeral of murdered soldier Lee Rigby later today.
They were seen checking flower beds, patrolling the roads and inspecting floral tributes left for the soldier.
Prime Minister David Cameron told the Commons earlier this week that the whole of the UK will be mourning with the family at the funeral, beginning at 11am.
THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS: FUSILIER'S WIDOW TELLS OF 'UNBELIEVABLE' SUPPORT FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Ahead of the private funeral in Bury, Greater Manchester today, his widow spoke movingly about how they hoped the ceremony would confound his killers’ intentions by celebrating him as a ‘hero’ and ‘martyr’.
Fighting back tears throughout, his 30-year-old wife Rebecca said: ‘We have had an awful lot of support from across the world. It has been overwhelming.
‘We have had letters from the Prime Minister, from senior politicians from all parties, the Duke of Kent, from the Sikh community.
‘Various large mosques and interfaith groups have been in touch with letters of condolences and such.’
‘We have had masses of cards, letters and donations from everywhere. It’s unbelievable, really, the things that have been coming in.
Fusilier Rigby’s widow also spoke of the kindness of total strangers towards their two-year-old son, Jack.
‘I was handed £1.10, two 50p coins and a 10p piece, that had been handed over by somebody at the Tower of London,’ she said.
‘It was requested that it be passed on to the soldier’s son’s money.
‘And I have had a cheque off another lady. She sent me a lovely letter and a cheque for £10 asking me to buy something to put a smile on Jack’s face.
‘He wanted a scooter so we got him a scooter which he absolutely loves.’
She added: ‘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.’
The coffin arrived at Bury Parish Church yesterday ahead of an all-night vigil on the eve of the Fusilier's funeral
His wife Rebecca Rigby struggled to hold back her tears as she carried their son Jack and followed his coffin
His mother Lyn and stepfather Ian arrived at the church yesterday to see the soldier's coffin arrive at the church. In an emotional interview they said they had received 'overwhelming support' and that Lee 'had become a hero'
:: Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, have been charged with the murder of Fusilier Rigby and are due to stand trial at the Old Bailey on November 18.
They will appear at the same court for a plea and case management hearing on September 27.
Tears and a moving rendition of the Last Post outside Woolwich Barracks
Hundreds gathered at the entrance to Woolwich Barracks today to pay their respects to the soldier Lee Rigby - close to where he was killed.
As the funeral of the 25-year-old father of one took place in his home town of Bury, crowds gathered at the entrance to the barracks where he was based when he died in May.
Members of the public joined serving servicemen, veterans, the wives of soldiers based at the barracks and more than 100 bikers to mourn the young soldier.
In the days and weeks after Lee's death, the entrance to the barracks was a sea of floral tributes, messages of support, flags and other tributes left by people from across the country.
Bikers, members of the Public and troops from Royal fusiliers attended a memorial service for murdered soldier lee Rigby at Woolwich Barracks. Fusilier musician Dan Griffiths played the Last Post
Bugler Dan Griffith plays the last post outside the main gate to Woolwich Barracks, as heartfelt tributes, flowers and a drum were laid to respect the popular soldier
Two months on, a small selection of some of the floral tributes left to Lee - including messages from Lee's family - were on display on a neatly trimmed grass verge outside the main entrance to the Woolwich Barracks.
Just before 11am around 50 soldiers from the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment marched out of the barracks and formed a three deep semi-circle around the verge as the crowd gathered behind.
There was a shot ceremony as representatives from Lee's regiment, soldiers' wives and the Royal British Legion Riders laid flowers in silence on the grass verge.
At 11am a biker called Julia Stevenson, 65, from the Royal British Legion Riders, read the Act of Remembrance.
Mourners shed a tear at the Royal Artillery Barracks,Woolwich during a memorial service for Drummer Lee Rigby, Royal Fusilliers
It was followed by The Last Post, performed by a solo bugler from the Royal Artillery Band, and the crowd then gave a minute's silence in respect to Lee Rigby.
Wives of serving soldiers could be seen wiping tears with tissues in the emotional mark of respect to the dead drummer.
At the end of the minute's silence another Royal British Legion Rider Iain Thompson, who is also a serving soldier then read the Kohima Epitaph: 'When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.'
The reading was brought to an end with a round of applause and a prompt to give three cheers to 'Our Soldiers' which the mourners enthusiastically responded to.
A soldier's from Lee's batallion, the 2nd Batallion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, laid a wreath as a representative of the Fusilier Association.
The serving soldier, who was also one of Lee's friends, did not want to be named, but said: 'It's a really sad day for all of us and we're just thinking of his family and his fiancee Aimee.
Woolwich barracks was filled with people and soldiers who wanted to show their respect. One attendee, Max Waite, 59, from Charlton, south east London said: 'Woolwich is a military town with a proud history and we won't let something like this divide us.'
Bikers pay their respects prior to a minute silence for the soldier at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, London
'I have just returned from Afghanistan. I was expecting to come home and see Lee and catch up with him.
'We all just miss having him around so much. He was a joker. And the barracks are a lot quieter without him.
'He was a true Fusilier. He served his country loyally and this should never have happened.
' know Aimee as well. I was with her in Afghanistan when she got the news. She was absolutely devastated.
'She is still finding it really hard. I wanted to come down here today to pay tribute to Lee.
'Most of his friends are in Bury but I felt some people needed to be here as well.'
Julia Stephenson founded Ride of Respect, a group of bikers who pay respects for re-patriated fallen serving service personnel at the former RAF base at Wootton Bassett and now at RAF Brize Norton.
Ms Stephenson, from Farningham, Kent said: 'I just feel very sad that we have got to come here because of such a tragedy.
'I think not only the biking fraternity appalled of what happened to Lee Rigby, the whole country is.
Just before 11am around 50 soldiers from the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment marched out of Woolwich Barracks and formed a three deep semi-circle around the verge as the crowd gathered behind
Bikers, members of the public and troops from Royal fusiliers all joined together to pay their respects for the soldier, who death shocked the nation
'We are just here to pay our respects. A lot of bikers have gone to Bury. But we wanted to come to Woolwich as well.'
Ellie Osbourn, 29, the wife of Sergeant Chris Osbourn, who serves with the 2nd Batallion of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment based at Woolwich, came to the ceremony with her two daughters.
She was part of the group of 20 wives who preserved the thousands of tributes to Lee in the weeks after his death.
They spend several days separating the hand written cards and messages from the flowers so the messages could be preserved and given to Lee's family after the floral tributes and bouquets had wilted and died.
She said: 'I feel very emotional. It could've been any one of our husbands.
'They all walk that way when they are going back to barracks. After it happened, I was so traumatised, I had to go away and stay with my parents for a week.'
Max Waite, 59, from Charlton, south east London said: 'I had to come today to show my respects for Lee and the Armed Forces.
'Woolwich is a military town with a proud history and we won't let something like this divide us.
'I think the ceremony today was a fitting tribute to show that the community cares and love our Armed Forces.'
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