FLOWERS have been laid at a war memorial as a mark of respect for a soldier killed last week.

On Monday at 3pm a group of people from Stevenage laid flowers at the war memorial in the town’s High Street to show their respect for soldier Lee Rigby who was killed in Woolwich, south-east London, on May 22.

The soldier had been walking back to the Royal Artillery Barracks where he was based when he was repeatedly stabbed.

The group of 35 people paying their respects in Stevenage included currently serving and ex-serving personnel, as well as civilians.

The gesture was organised by 27-year-old ex-soldier Scott Mahoney, who spent seven years in the Army Air Corps. He said: “It was out of respect to show that we are not scared of this threat and not afraid to stand together. It could have happened to anyone. My fiancée is in the Air Force and my little brother is in the Army still.”

One tribute to the soldier read: “We will never forget. RIP soldier Lee Rigby. Taken but never forgotten.”

Another tribute said: “In memory of Drummer Rigby. Also remembering all those who have risked or given their lives in the past and still doing so today so we can live free.”