HUNDREDS of people took part in a march from Grimsby to Cleethorpes in memory of murdered soldier Lee Rigby.
The walk was the brainchild of former soldier Liam Ladds, 25, who said it was "unbelievable" that Drummer Rigby could survive war in Afghanistan and then be murdered on home soil, in Woolwich.
Almost 300 people gathered at the Cenotaph, in Nuns Corner, Grimsby, yesterday before walking to the war memorial outside St Peter's Church, in Cleethorpes.
Despite Humberside Police attempting to direct walkers away from the mosque, in Weelsby Road, a contingent of English Defence League members who decided to lead the march headed past the building.
Although police dogs and riot vehicles followed the procession, there was no trouble.
Liam, of Grimsby, who served in 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglican Regiment from 2005 to 2010, said it was important to him that the march was peaceful.
He said: "This has nothing to do with race or religion – it is about paying tribute to Lee Rigby and everybody else who is serving in the Forces.
"The fact that Lee was murdered at home in a supposedly safe country hit me and many other people hard and I wanted everybody to come together to pay tribute.
"I'm pleased that so many people have turned out to pay their respects in a peaceful way."
Alison Crossley, 44, of Cleethorpes, has nieces and nephews serving in the Army and said the attack could easily have been on one of them.
The catering assistant said: "My niece is serving in London and it scares me to think that this could have happened to her.
"I've come to pay my respects to everybody who serves in the Forces.
"I laid flowers at the Cenotaph in Grimsby and I have a cross to place in Cleethorpes."
Eddie Gibbs, 34, of Scartho, who served in 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment from 1996 to 2003, played the bugle to commence a moment's silence at Grimsby Cenotaph.
He said: "Nobody is here for trouble. As an ex-squaddie myself, it is about a show of solidarity by the people of Grimsby and Cleethorpes for those serving in the Armed Forces."
Another former serviceman taking part in the march was carer Chris Grant, of Grimsby, who served in 2nd Battalion the Grenadier Guards from 1979 to 1983.
"I'm here to show my support for all of our heroes after what happened in Woolwich," he said.
"I'm one of the lucky ones. I lost a lot of friends in the Falklands and it's hard to think that something like this could happen in a supposedly peaceful country."
Placing a large cross adorned with poppies on Grimsby Cenotaph were Jill Gill, 41, of Grimsby, and her daughters, Laura, 19, and Jemma, 17.
Jill said: "A young solider shouldn't have lost his life and we are here to pay our respects and say thanks for the Armed Forces."
Laura added: "We all need to show our support for the men and women who risk their lives for us."
And Gemma said: "Taking five hours to make the cross is nothing compared to what people in the Armed Forces do for us every day."
