VIGILS and memorials were held for Drummer Lee Rigby in East Lancashire towns.

Marks of respect to the murdered solider were held in Oswaldtwistle, Accrington and Blackburn ahead of his funeral.

Oswaldtwistle Area Council held a vigil on Thursday at 8pm, at the town Cenotaph on Rhyddings Street. Dignitaries in Accrington also held a multi faith memorial service and candlelit vigil at the Accrington Pals memorial on Church Street, in his memory.

In Blackburn, Royal British Legion members from Blackburn and Darwen gathered to lay a memorial wreath while a blessing in his memory was made.

Chairman of Oswaldtwistle Area Council Peter Britcliffe said the tribute was meticulously planned and took place on Thursday in perfect weather conditions.

He said: “Funeral directors Barton and Hallworth produced a lovely programme for the tribute to Lee. I would like to thank everyone involved in the preparations who have made this tribute possible.”