A FITTING funeral service to remember army veteran and former policeman David Fairclough was held on Monday.

St Thomas Eccleston Church on Peter Street was packed as hundreds of mourners turned out to pay respects to David.

David, otherwise known as ‘Len’, who lived in Grange Park, died suddenly aged 49 on Monday, August 13.

A guard of honour was formed outside the church ahead of the funeral, with standard bearers leading his coffin inside.

Ex-serving personnel were also in attendance, wearing blazers, suits and medals, along with berets as a mark of solidarity for grieving comrades and David's family.

At the service, led by Reverend Harry Wood, tributes were paid to David.

He went to school in Whiston before joining the armed forces.

He was with the 1st Royal Tanks between 1986 and 1994 and served in places including Northern Ireland and Germany, and was part of a UN Peacekeeping Force.

He then later joined Merseyside Police afterwards where he served for about 10 years before working as a taxi driver at St Helens Black Cabs.

At the service, "brother in arms" David was described as someone who "cared for everyone, his family, his friends and his country".

Anecdotes of David, who has gone to "the green fields where we all end up" were also shared.

Rev Wood said how his family "spoke with the most heartfelt words" and how David will be fondly remembered as someone who "had no time to beat about the bush".

It was said: "You are remembered for all you have done and I hope you will continue to protect us" and how he is owed a "great debt".

David's family has remarked that they "are extremely grateful and completely overwhelmed by the love and support they have received from the military community, the police and the taxi drivers".

Hymns How Great Thou Art and Abide With Me were sung during the funeral.

Following the service, the funeral was continued at St Helens crematorium.

Afterwards to celebrate the life of David, family and friends gathered at Thatto Heath Labour Club.