Hundreds attend tribute to Fusilier Lee Rigby

Fusilier Lee Rigby

Hundreds of people have paid tribute to Fusilier Lee Rigby, the soldier, from Langley, Middleton, was stabbed to death in the street near Woolwich Barracks in London on 22 May, at a concert held in his memory.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers performed at the concert at Victoria Hall in Bolton on Saturday evening. Fusilier Rigby's mother, stepfather and sisters all attended.

About 600 people attended the event, at which the Manchester branch of the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums also performed.

Organiser Ann-Marie Etherington told the BBC that the concert was "moving and emotional".

Ms Etherington said: "The Fusiliers designed the programme so there was something for everyone, with everything from James Bond theme music to music from shows.

"It was very emotional in parts but there was some humour too.

"The finale was extremely poignant. The final song was Here's to the Heroes and then Lee's two young sisters were presented with a large portrait of him."

She said: "Lee's mother Lyn told me it had been difficult but she was very moved by it and grateful. She said she was glad she came."

Lee, who had been in the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers since 2006, was walking to the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, south-east London, when he was struck by a car and then attacked.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, have been charged with his murder.

They deny the charges.

A trial date has been provisionally set for 18 November.