Shops were emptied and businesses closed down when the cortege passed through the town centre after a service in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church this morning.

Cpl Wojtak, who was known as Big Ted, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on October 1 where he served with 34 Squadron RAF Regiment protecting Camp Bastion.

Wing Commander Shaun Ryles, his commanding office, paid tribute to the 'gentle giant'.

He said: "He had an extremely promising future ahead of him as a leader of men but he also had a softer side which is why we chose him to be trauma manager on operations in Afghanistan.

"He was a very fun character who enjoyed the social side of the RAF as well as serving. He was much loved and respected by all who had the honour to serve with him.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this time.

"The remainder of his flight are still serving in Afghanistan and will no doubt find some time off patrols to mark today."

Standards from organisations across the county were presented and dipped outside the church before the funeral which spilled over into the Polish club and onto the streets.

Crowds packed the pavements from Burton Street to Thorpe Road as the cortege made its way to the cemetery with the town in complete silence and many people in tears.

As the coffin passed, draped in a union flag and with a poppy wreath and a bouquet of lilies, people broke into spontaneuous applause before bowing their heads with respect.

The cortege paused outside the Royal British Legion Club in Thorpe End, where standards were dipped.

At Thorpe Road Cemetery, he was given a rifle salute and a fly past by two Harriers before being interred.

*Read next week's Melton Times for the full story and a double page spread of photographer Jim Harrion's pictures.