Lee Rigby: Vigil For Murdered Soldier In Bury

The family of the Fusilier, who was brutally killed in southeast London in May, gather at a parish church close to his home.

Well-wishers have been lining the streets to pay their respects to murdered soldier Lee Rigby on the eve of his funeral.

A vigil for the Fusilier, who was hacked to death near Woolwich barracks in May, is to be held in Bury in the next few hours.

Earlier his family thanked the public for their "overwhelming support" since the 25-year-old was killed.
They will gather around his coffin before a comrade at arms keeps a guard of honour overnight at Bury Parish Church in Greater Manchester.

The father of one had served in Afghanistan and was attached to the regimental recruiting team when he was murdered in broad daylight in an attack that shocked the nation.

His funeral on Friday is expected to be attended by hundreds of people.

Bury has strong links with Fusilier Rigby's regiment, whose roots go back to the Lancashire Fusiliers, based in Bury, just two miles from the soldier's home town of Middleton.

Drummers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF) drummed the cortege past soldiers of the Regiment lining the route to Bury Parish Church.

The procession was not far from the soldier's home town

A short ceremony was to take place inside the church.

Prime Minister David Cameron this week told the Commons the whole of the UK will be mourning with Fusilier Rigby's family and friends at his funeral.

The family's wishes are for a private military funeral with the public and media asked to pay their respects outside the church, with the service broadcast to those outside on loudspeakers.

A book of condolence is open for signing at The Fusilier Museum in Bury.

:: 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.