Firefighter Stephen Hunt to receive ceremonial funeral

An investigation into the cause of the fire in Manchester is under way

A firefighter who died tackling a blaze in Manchester is to be buried with full ceremonial fire service honours.

Father-of-two Stephen Hunt, 38, died in the fire at Paul's Hair World in Oldham Street on 13 July.

His funeral will take place at Bury Parish Church on 3 September at 11:00 BST.

Roads around the church will close and the public is invited to line the route of the cortege as the service is broadcast outside via loudspeakers.

Road closures will be in place from 09:30 as the cortege moves along Bolton Street into the town centre.

'Sudden heat surge'

Greater Manchester Fire Service workers will form a guard of honour as the coffin is brought into the church.

The service will be followed by a private family committal.

A book of condolence will be open on the day in a fire service vehicle to be parked on The Rock and an online book of condolences is available to sign on the fire service website.

The fire service said Mr Hunt was thought to have been enveloped by a sudden surge of extreme heat that took the officers inside the building by surprise.

Officers said it may have been fuelled by the chemicals stored at the business - a supplier of hair extensions and hair beauty products.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.