THE widow of Royal Marine Sgt Luke Taylor has thanked people for their “overwhelming” turnout at his memorial service.

The 33-year-old from Burton was remembered at Christchurch Priory before a private internment at Hinton Park Woodland on April 12.

He was one of two British servicemen killed by a rogue Afghan soldier at the main base in the capital of Helmand.

His wife Niki said: “We were really overwhelmed by the turnout and the love and support we felt from the people of Christchurch and Burton.

“Luke would have been honoured to see it – it was such a comfort.

“There were so many people lining the street, it was absolutely lovely, it was a great service, it made us feel really proud to live somewhere like this.”

Luke played a full part in village life and was a member of sports clubs including Oakmeadians Rugby club.

It was estimated there were 650 people inside the church and many more paid their respects outside.

Niki said: “I also wanted to thank The British Legion and the standard bearers who lined the road outside the priory.

“And we drove through the high street all of the streets were lined, everybody was applauding, it was really, really touching. Luke would have really appreciated it.

“He loved living in Christchurch and Burton and it would just proved to us we were in the right place.”

Luke’s family has asked for donations in memory to be sent to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTS). They may be sent c/o the Funeral Director Chester Pearce Associates Limited. Call 01202 612110 or full details at chesterpearce.com