Hundreds Mourn At Red Arrows Pilot's Funeral

Hundreds of mourners have paid their respects to an "enormously popular" Red Arrows pilot who died after being ejected from his jet at the team's base.

The family of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham, the second Red Arrows pilot killed in less than three months, were joined by comrades and friends of the 35-year-old for his funeral at Coventry Cathedral.

During the hour-long service, Flt Lt Cunningham was described by the Red Arrows' commanding officer as a "charming, professional and dedicated" pilot who had touched the lives of many people.

Flt Lt Cunningham died in hospital after the incident in which he was ejected from his Hawk T1 aircraft on the ground at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire on November 8.

Tributes to the South African-born serviceman, who attended Coventry's Ernesford Grange School, were led by Squadron Leader Jim Turner, the officer commanding the RAF's aerobatic team.

Sqn Ldr Turner told mourners that Flt Lt Cunningham had fulfilled his dream of being selected to fly with the Red Arrows in 2010 after flying operational sorties in Iraq.

Members of the Red Arrows carried Flt Lt Cunningham's coffin into the cathedral for the service.

The widow of Flt Lt Jon Egging, who died when his Red Arrows jet crashed near Bournemouth in August, and TV presenter Carol Vorderman joined the mourners.

Following the service, a fly-past was conducted by two RAF Tornado GR4 jets based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

The aircraft, flying at 1,000ft, were crewed by members of Flt Lt Cunningham's past squadrons - 617 "The Dambusters" Squadron and XV(R) Squadron.

A full service inquiry has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident at RAF Scampton.

An inquest was opened and adjourned earlier this month.