MEMBERS of the Royal British Legion in Gwent gathered at the Newport War Memorial yesterday to pay their respects to soldier Lee Rigby.

The gathering took place prior to a funeral service in Bury near Manchester, the hometown of the soldier, who was killed on a London street in May.

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

Thousands lined the streets of the town.

A memorial was also held in Llanhilleth at 11am to coincide with the funeral.

Deputy Newport Mayor Councillor Trevor Watkins, accompanied by his wife, laid a Royal Fusiliers Wreath at the foot of the War Memorial.

Mike Jones, Newport's Poppy Appeal Coordinator, said: "We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Armed Forces Community as a tribute to a man that lost his life, not in the field of conflict, but within our home community where he should have been safe from such a horrific incident.

"As the Custodians of Remembrance, we have a duty to show our support. Today goes to show that this young man served his country well, and that he is remembered by us all."

Anne-Marie Payne, standard bearer said: "This shows that people think of our soldiers, whether they are abroad fighting or on our streets here. I think that's the sad thing about this - the thought that he was home, and he felt safe, and then this happened."

Elliot Paffey, a 20-year-old standard bearer said: "This is not something that should happen. But it has, and we must remember him."