Lee Rigby was 'a fantastic soldier' says commanding officer

The commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers has described Fusilier Lee Rigby as a "fantastic soldier," as relatives and colleagues gather for his funeral.

The 25-year-old soldier, from Middleton, was killed in Woolwich, south-east London, in May. Two men are accused of his murder.

Speaking before the funeral service at Bury Parish Church in Greater Manchester, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor said Fusilier Rigby was ''a true regimental character... everybody fell under his spell.''