Israel bids a final farewell to 'giant' Ariel Sharon

Family members walk behind Ariel Sharon's flag-draped coffin during a memorial ceremony at Israel's parliament Credit: Reuters

Israelis have paid a final farewell to former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today who has been buried at his family ranch in southern Israel beside his late wife.

Earlier, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US vice president Joe Biden paid homage to Mr Sharon at his state funeral service in Jerusalem.

Mr Blair described him as a "warrior" and "giant of this land".

A second service was later held near Mr Sharon's former residence Sycamore Farm in the Negev desert.

Ariel Sharon's family attend their father's funeral near his former residence Sycamore Farm in southern Israel. Credit: Reuters

ITV's Middle East Correspondent Geraint Vincent reports.