By Mike McCarthy, North Of England Correspondent
Thousands of people lined the streets and filled Bury town centre for the funeral of Drummer Lee Rigby, who was described as a "gentle soul" and "loving father".
Crowds applauded the murdered soldier's family and comrades as they arrived at the military service at Bury Parish Church.
Relatives hugged each other on the church steps before entering the church.
His two-year-old son Jack wore a T-shirt with the words: "My Daddy. My Hero" printed on the back.
On the front of son Jack's T-shirt were the words: "My Daddy's A Fusilier. Lee Rigby."
Mourners lined the street to the funeral to pay their respects The father-of-one was hacked to death in broad daylight as he returned to Woolwich barracks from the Tower of London in May.
Drummer Rigby's fellow soldiers from 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF) held a two-minute silence in London as the funeral service began in Lancashire.
The 25-year-old soldier's body had been guarded by comrades overnight following a vigil on Thursday.
Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson were among dignitaries who attended the service in Bury.
As the crowds outside stood in the sweltering midday heat listening via loudspeakers, Drummer Rigby's friend and fellow soldier Sean Sheer gave a eulogy that brought laughter from mourners.
Mr Sheer said he first met Drummer Rigby he found him the "most annoying, campest man I have ever met", citing his singing and love of boyband Westlife as the reason.
Mr Johnson and Mr Cameron arrived together Mr Sheer said his comrade's young son came "crashing" into his life but Lee "took to fatherhood instantly".
"Everywhere Lee went, Jack went with him," he said.
"Lee's time on this earth was tragically cut short" but he was a "loving father and devoted husband".
"We will love you and miss you," Mr Sheer said.
Drummer Rigby's commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor also delivered a eulogy, describing him as "truly charismatic".
"To be with Lee was to be where it was most fun - the centre of good times and much mischief," he said.
"Lee had a natural swagger and the confidence of someone truly comfortable in their own skin.
The Order of Service for the memorial "He was always happy. His smile was infectious, as was his enthusiasm for soldiering and his passion for life."
Lieutenant Colonel Taylor said Drummer Rigby joined the Army in 2006 on his third attempt, fulfilling his "lifelong ambition".
"Today we, his regimental family, salute a fallen comrade," he said.
"A talented soldier and musician. A larger-than-life character. A loyal friend and brother-in-arms. A gentle soul.
"Above all a true Fusilier - daring in all things. We all feel his loss keenly. We will remember him with pride always.
"Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with his family and friends. We will continue to do so in the years to come.
"So, thanks be to God for Lee Rigby - father, husband, son, brother, friend, Fusilier. We will remember him."
The hymns at the service were Who Would True Valour See, Lord Of All Hopefulness and I Vow To Thee My Country, and the choir sang Deep Peace Of The Running Wave.
Drummer Rigby took to fatherhood instantly, his friend said Veterans lowered Union flags and the cortege then departed for a private family committal in Middleton, where Drummer Rigby lived.
The soldier's family had wanted a private funeral service and asked the public to show their respects by lining the streets.
Drummer Rigby served in Afghanistan as a machine gunner and was attached to the regimental recruiting team when he was killed.
His murder sparked nationwide shock and revulsion and led to an outpouring of support for his family from the public.
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