Soldier’s final salute

SUPPORT . . . Drummer Lee Rigby

A vigil was being held today on the eve of the funeral of murdered soldier Lee Rigby.

His loved ones were preparing to gather around the coffin of the Fusilier with comrade at arms keeping a guard of honour overnight at Bury Parish Church.

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.

The father-of-one had served in Afghanistan and was attached to the regimental recruiting team when he was hacked to death in broad daylight on a street in south London.

The horrific killing led to nationwide shock and revulsion. Tomorrow’s funeral is expected to be attended by hundreds of mourners following a groundswell of support for his family from the public.

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

Drummers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF) were today preparing to drum the cortege, with past soldiers of the Regiment lining the route to Bury Parish Church for the vigil to begin this afternoon.

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.