A COMMUNITY united in grief paid its respects to a father and his two sons who drowned in a tragic fishing accident in Scotland.

Hundreds of mourners lined the streets as the funeral of Shaun Ridley and his sons, Michael, aged 12, and Steven, aged 15, of Abbey Lane, Leigh, was held at St Paul's Church in Westleigh.

Mr Ridley, aged 37, died after jumping into Loch Ryan, Stranraer, to try to save his two boys when a huge wave overturned their boat during their July fishing trip.

Westleigh High School -- where Michael and Steven were pupils -- was closed so that teachers and pupils could attend the funeral. Pupils walked silently behind the cortege as it made its way towards the church and they formed a guard of honour at the church door. Robbie Williams' song Angels played softly in the background as the three coffins were carried inside.

Mourners who were packed into the church heard Westleigh High headteacher John Pout read a passage from the Bible and pay his own tributes to the two boys.

The Area Dean of Leigh, the Reverend Bill Baldwin, read words prepared by Mr Ridley's wife Pauline which paid a moving tribute to her husband and sons.

She thanked the Dumfries and Galloway police for their support during the ordeal. They had sent representatives to the service.

The Rev Baldwin described Mrs Ridley as "courageous" and invited the packed congregation to applaud her bravery -- and applause rang around the church.

Tears flowed as the final hymn, Abide With Me, was sung. After the service, a family ceremony was held at Howe Bridge Crematorium.