Hundreds at navy funeral

Hundreds of mourners today saluted "exceptional" Black Country sailor Paul McCann, killed in a blast on board a submarine, as they gathered to pay their respects at his funeral.

Halesowen town centre was brought to a standstill as family, friends and naval colleagues crammed into St John's Parish Church for an emotional farewell to the 32-year-old who was given full military honours.

The leading operator mechanic, nicknamed "Tinny" by friends, died on board HMS Tireless while on exercise in the Arctic last month.

His parents, Brian and Pauline, were joined at the funeral by his sister Sharon McCann and his American fiancee, Julie Day-McGovern, who he was planning to marry upon leaving the navy.

Scores of naval colleagues in full uniform gathered had nearby and filed solemnly into the church.

They joined decorated ex-servicemen who carried flags representing Royal Navy Associations from across the region.

The coffin, draped in the Union flag, was carried into the church by his shipmates.

Tribute was paid by Royal Naval commanding officer Iain Breckenridge who said: "Two close families pay their final respects to an exceptional man.

"Paul McCann's family lay their son to rest and the HMS Tireless family bid farewell to a great friend.

"We share the family's grief at the loss of Paul and pray that their bonds of love provide comfort at this most difficult time.

"Every man who was on board Tireless will not forget the tragic night of March 20 nor will we forget today."

A statement read on behalf of Mr McCann's family by close friend Tony Dunn said: "Many people including his parents feel that Paul 'found' himself in the navy.

"He never spoke of anything with such excitement and enthusiasm until he became a submariner."

Mr McCann was an avid football fan and the service opened with a rendition of the Birmingham City anthem 'Keep Right on to the End of the Road.'

Following the service, the cortege made its way to Stourbridge Crematorium.