FUNERAL tributes were paid to former paratrooper Christopher Alder, who died in police custody, as campaigners vowed to continue their fight for justice.

About 200 people gathered in Hull for the service for the father-of-two at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday.

His sister Janet, from the Manchester Road area of Burnley, said: "We have been waiting a long time to be able to bury Christopher with the dignity and respect he deserves.

"It's brought a lot of people together. Christopher has become a very significant person.

"His soul can rest at peace. We will keep fighting on for justice."

The poignant service was attended by family, friends and supporters, many who travelled by bus from Burnley.

It was held more than two-and-a-half years after his death in the custody suite at Queens Gardens police station.

Mr Alder, 37, of Lisle Court, Old Town, Hull, was taken to the station after disturbances outside the Waterfront nightclub in April 1998.

Earlier this year, an inquest jury returned a verdict that Mr Alder was unlawfully killed. Five police officers are awaiting trial, accused of misconduct in public office, and Mr Alder's family and supporters have called for manslaughter charges to be brought.

The suspended officers are seeking to challenge the inquest verdict.

Supporters of Mr Alder walked through the city centre behind a horse-drawn carriage bearing his coffin. The procession passed Queens Gardens police station before arriving at the church.

The service included a musical arrangement in memory of people who have died in police custody.

One of Christopher's brother's Richard, 41, of west Hull, also spoke at the funeral. He said: "It's Christopher's day and it's him we are here to remember. He was more of a friend than a brother. He was a lovely person and a gentleman."

After the service a private burial was held and mourners gathered to pay tribute to Christopher's life.

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "I regret I was unable to attend the funeral of Christopher Alder.

"He died tragically on April 1 1998 and even now many questions remain to be answered as to what happened on that tragic night and how Christopher was allowed to die.

"Having pursued this case now since late April 1998 I regret that the bureaucracy of the system has been so slow in delivering justice to Christopher and his family.

"I would hope that now belatedly at this stage we can see the necessary actions taken without further delay to ensure that his sister Janet, my constituent, who has fought so hard to secure the truth and justice can feel with all the family that justice has been achieved.

"While we cannot bring Christopher back we do have a duty and responsibility to bring this whole case to an end as speedily as it is possible ensuring we do secure truth and justice."