Slideshow: a former Leamington Paratrooper is given a fitting send-off

As we reported last week, veterans turned out in solidarity to the funeral of former Paratrooper Mike Riley to ensure he was given a fitting send-off.

By The Newsroom

Published 21st Aug 2013, 10:38 BST

Mike Riley, who served with the Parachute Regiment, was buried with full military honours at Leamington Cemetary on Wednesday.
MHLC-14-08-13 Riley funeral Aug35 — Mike Riley, who served with the Parachute Regiment, was buried with full military honours at Leamington Cemetary on Wednesday. MHLC-14-08-13 Riley funeral Aug35

Members of the Bedworth branch of the Parachute Regimental Association formed a parade with standard bearers and a drape for Mr Riley’s coffin. They also sounded a bugle.

Mr Riley died in February, but his family had been unable to fund a funeral and had had no support from any military charities. Mr Riley’s friend Steve Farley launched an appeal in the Courier to help provide an appropriate funeral and the Bedworth branch members stepped up.

Courier photographer Morris Troughton was at the funeral, which took place at Leamington Cemetary last Wednesday. Here is a slideshow of his pictures.

Bedworth