Sir Alex remembers plunge marine

Colleagues carried the Royal Marine's coffin at the service

Sir Alex Ferguson has joined mourners as a Royal Marine who fell to his death during a helicopter abseiling exercise was laid to rest.

Lance Corporal Gordon Campbell, 28, from Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, died at the Pontrilas Army Training Area near Hereford on 25 September.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex is a friend of the Campbell family.

The funeral service, with full military honours, took place at Oldmeldrum Parish Church.

Gordy died doing the job he loved but this does not diminish our sadness at this time Family statement

The Royal Marine's parents Margaret and Gordon, sisters Julia and Cheryl, and his long-time partner Debbie were among hundreds at the funeral.

L/Cpl Campbell's coffin was carried into the church by a bearer party made up of six of the serviceman's fellow Royal Marines.

The small rural church was unable to accommodate all of the mourners and many listened to the service from a marquee set up outside while others stood in the open air.

'Distinguished career'

Reading from a prepared statement before the service, family friend Dougie Hicken said: "The whole family are devastated by the tragic death of our son, brother and beloved Gordy.

"Gordy died doing the job he loved and indeed wanted to do from an early age but this does not diminish our sadness at this time.

"Gordy lived his life to the full and packed more into his 28 years than most people do in a lifetime, both at work with the Royal Marines and while home on leave in Scotland.

Relatives described L/Cpl Campbell as "a hero"

"Gordy saw active service around the globe during his distinguished career and we are extremely proud of all his achievements."

L/Cpl Campbell was based at Poole, Dorset, and had joined the Royal Marines in 1997. West Mercia Police have been investigating the serviceman's death.

A member of the Royal Marines Assault Group, he had served in Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

His commanding officer said he had a "natural flair for soldiering".

The family's earlier death notice stated: "Our hearts are broken as we have lost such a special hero to us all."