They came in their hundreds for one final chance to say farewell to heroic Bob and Deb Fry.

Wootton Bassett came to a standstill yesterday, as the town said its goodbyes to the couple.

Mr and Mrs Fry, of Springfield Crescent, Wootton Bassett, drowned trying to save their children, Rosie, 11, and George, nine, off the coast of Portugal on October 22.

Mourners packed into St Bartholomew's Church on the High Street for the memorial service.

Friends began arriving long before the tearful 1.30pm start. Among the last to arrive were Rosie and George, surrounded by their families and clutching the hands of their aunt and guardian Lesley Spencer.

Earlier in the day, a private funeral service for the family was held at Kingsdown crematorium, in Swindon.

Photographs of smiling Mr and Mrs Fry stood proudly at the front of the church, each with flowers placed before them.

Friends of Mr Fry from Wootton Bassett Rugby Club proudly wore the team's ties.

The congregation began by singing All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Rev Thomas Woodhouse paid tribute to the couple and spoke of the inspiration offered by their two children.

"To Rosie and George, we salute your courage and your dignity," he said.

"You have and will remain high in our thoughts and are an inspiration to many, not least your adoring grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins, whose own hearts are breaking for you and for themselves.

"We come together to pay tribute to the people and parents, whose selfless actions saved lives. We grieve for two parents, two friends, two neighbours and two companions."

Mr Woodhouse said Mrs Fry's sister Lesley Spencer, was a blessing to them. "We must face the stark reality that Bob and Deb will not physically see their children mature to adulthood, but there is a glimmer of light, even when faced with that blackest of all realities," he said.

"Lesley, your presence and willingness has made these dark days just a little more bearable and brighter."

Friend George Loughlin read from Corinthians, chapter 13, verses one to 13.

The congregation then sang All Creatures of Our God and King, before close friend and best man at Mr and Mrs Fry's wedding Tom Maidment paid tribute to Mr Fry.

To honour Mr Fry's love of rugby, the congregation then sang Swing Low Sweet Chariot, before Mrs Fry's sister Lesley paid tribute to her.

Eva Cassidy's emotional song Somewhere over the Rainbow was then played, before Rev Jan Delaney read the prayers and Mr Woodhouse conducted the commendation.

Finally, the hymn Jerusalem was sung, followed by the blessing, then mourners filed out to Swing Low Sweet Chariot.