Sons wear hero firefighter's medals at funeral

James Shears, 35, from Poole, Dorset, was one of two firefighters who died tackling the fire at Shirley Towers in Southampton, Hampshire, on April 6.

A guard of honour made up of hundreds of firefighters and members of the public lined the streets outside St George's Church in Poole.

Hundreds of colleagues also lined the streets of Southampton on Tuesday for the funeral of Alan Bannon, 38, who died in the same incident.

Following the service, Mr Shears's two sons, Ruben, four, and five-year-old Frankie, helped by their mother Carla, released 100 balloons in memory of their father. The boys each wore one of their father's two gold medals for judo in the World Firefighter Games.

Mr Shears's coffin was carried to the church by a turntable ladder fire appliance adorned with flowers followed by members of Red Watch from St Mary's Fire Station, Southampton, on foot and a second fire engine.

The Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service standard was draped over the coffin with Mr Shears's helmet on top.

Members of the public were asked to wear colourful clothing to help celebrate his life. They stood in a respectful silence as the coffin was carried by six pallbearers into the church.

Mr Shears, who was known as Jim and also had the nickname of Britney, lived near his parents, Marilyn and Ed, and brothers, Gary, Steven and Chas.

He joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2003.

His widow said in a statement: "On the sixth of April, I lost the most wonderful man I have ever known and heaven gained a hero."

A tribute read on behalf of Ed Shears, the father of Mr Shears, talked of his pride for his son.

He said: "I had a great sense of pride when he went to Reading University, where he met the love of his life Carla, and I was again proud when he joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"I respect and admire the fantastic brotherhood of these brave men who became a second family.

"He did everything I could not and became a true hero."

Mr Shears's brother Gary fought back tears as he said: "As well as being the best brother, father, son and husband, he was the best at most things.

"He was the best at judo, best at making people laugh, best role model a younger brother could have."

Over 40 people were saved on the night of the fire and the two dead men are credited with buying time with their sacrifice for the rescues to take place.

Reports have said the firefighters were found unconscious by paramedics on the ninth floor of the block and one died at the scene and one in hospital.

A memorial service is planned for both firefighters at Winchester Cathedral in July.