MOURNERS paid their respects outside the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford tonight to seven servicemen whose bodies were repatriated to Britain.

Hearses carrying the Union-flag draped coffins of Sergeant Steven Darbyshire, Lance Corporal Michael Taylor, and Marine Paul Warren, all of 40 Commando Royal Marines, went to the hospital in Headley Way.

They were followed by Lance Corporal David Ramsden, of 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, Colour Sergeant Martyn Horton, Private Alex Isaac and Private Douglas Halliday, all of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment.

Earlier the cortege had passed through Wootton Bassett after the bodies had been brought back through RAF Lyneham.

Thousands of mourners - soldiers, shopkeepers and well-wishers - lined the high street to pay their respects to the fallen men.

Family members placed flowers on top of the hearses, as they paused for a minute's silence next to the town's war memorial - which was covered with more floral tributes.

Many relatives wore t-shirts bearing the name of their loved one.