Rebecca, the wife of murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby, kisses their son Jack, after his funeral service at Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, yesterday. Photo: APRebecca, the wife of murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby, kisses their son Jack, after his funeral service at Bury Parish church in Greater Manchester, yesterday. Photo: AP

The young son of murdered soldier Lee Rigby has joined thousands of mourners in Bury in remembering a “gentle soul” and “larger-than-life character”.

In searing heat, the image of two-year-old Jack holding his mother’s hand outside the church as he wore a T-shirt with the tribute “My Daddy My Hero” shone in the poignant service.

The heartbroken family of Fusilier Rigby were among about 800 people packed inside Bury Parish Church to honour the 25-year-old in a private funeral which was relayed via loudspeakers to large crowds.

The drummer’s comrades in the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF) were warmly applauded as they arrived at the church, as were Fusilier veterans.

The town of Bury, which has strong links to the Army, was full of old and not-so-old former soldiers in their regimental ties, blazers and caps, proudly wearing their campaign medals.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson were also in attendance at the service for Fusilier Rigby, who was killed as he returned to Woolwich barracks in south-east London 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 hacked to death in broad daylight in the street.

In his eulogy to Fusilier Rigby, his commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor spoke of an “extremely popular soldier” who was known as “Riggers” to his friends.

He said: “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.”

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”.

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. (AP)

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