Huthwaite history group ‘thrilled’ with today’s Richard III burial

Crowds are gathered around Leicester Catherdral where his remains will be laid to rest.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev Justin Welby, will preside over a service this morning.

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who was found to be a distant relative of the king, will read a poem written by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

Anne Ayres, secretary of the group visited the county this week to witness the memorial service in honour of the king.

She said; “It is quite amazing. I am thrilled this is happening in our lifetime,”

She marvelled at the beautifully created pall draped over the coffin.

The fabric is embroidered with people from the 1400s as well people from today who have helped unearth the king from a Leicester car park in 2012.

Anne added: “This day is a culmination of groups like this across the country, and in particular Phillipa Langley who persuaded the authorities and Leicester University to start the dig.

“She was a real driving force behind this. It’s a day to remember. They have done it beautifully.”

Phillipa visited the area in October to give a talk about the dig.

“We had to turn people away we had so many people come to listen. It was an amazing visit.”

More than 20,000 people have queued to see the king’s coffin in the cathedral.