Prime Minister David Cameron today joined hundreds of mourners at a military funeral of a British soldier, who was hacked to death on a London street by suspected Islamist terrorists.
The Prime Minister and family members of 25-year-old Lee Rigby attended the funeral service at Bury Parish Church in Manchester.
After the service his body was driven along roads lined by mourners for a private burial at Middleton Cemetery.
"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," said Rigby's 30-year-old wife Rebecca.
She was joined by her two-year-old son Jack wearing a T-shirt with the words "My Daddy My Hero" on the back.
Mother Lyn was in tears as she held hands with husband, Ian.
Delivering the eulogy, which was streamed on loudspeakers for those gathered outside, Rigby's commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor, described him as "an extremely popular soldier".
"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," he added, triggering applause among those gathered inside and outside the church.
Rigby of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF) was killed as he returned to Woolwich barracks in south-east London from the Tower of London on May 22.
Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, both British Muslim converts, are due to stand trial at the Old Bailey on November 18 for the murder.
They are 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.
The Prime Minister earlier this week told the House of Commons the whole of the UK will be mourning with Fusilier Rigby's family and friends at his funeral.
The family's wishes were for a private military funeral with the public and media asked to pay their respects outside the church.
Greater Manchester Police and Bury Council closed roads designated for well-wishers wanting to pay their respects by lining the streets.
A book of condolence is open for signing at The Fusilier Museum in Bury.
