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Page last updated at 13:25 GMT, Thursday, 6 August 2009 14:25 UK

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In pictures: Last Tommy's funeral

Veteran looks at the order of service

The funeral of Harry Patch, the last surviving British soldier to have fought in the trenches of World War I, was held at Wells Cathedral on Thursday 6 August.

Pallbearers carrying the coffin

Six pallbearers from the 1st Battalion The Rifles carried the coffin of World War I veteran Harry Patch into Wells Cathedral. Mr Patch served with The Rifles, formerly the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.

Cortege travels through Wells

The cortege left Mr Patch's care home in Wells, Somerset, where he had lived for 13 years, and travelled through the city to the cathedral.

Police officer salutes as the cortege goes past

Thousands lined the route to pay their respects to Mr Patch who, at the time of his death, was the oldest man in Europe.

Mr Patch died on 25 July at the age of 111.

More than 1,000 tickets were made available so people who wanted to pay their respects could attend the service.

The theme of the service was peace and reconciliation. Two soldiers from the armies of Belgium, France and Germany also took part in the ceremony.

Harry Patch's coffin is placed in the hearse

At the end of the service people clapped as the hearse went by. Mr Patch will be buried in a private ceremony.

The service was attended by the Duchess of Cornwall and Duchess of Gloucester. Speaking during the service the Very Reverend John Clarke, Dean of Wells, said Harry was an ordinary Somerset man who became extraordinary.

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