Funeral for Orange Order Grand Secretary Drew Nelson

Hundreds of Orangemen have turned out to pay their respects to the late senior figure Drew Nelson, whose funeral took place in Hillsborough on Thursday.

Politicians including First Minister Arlene Foster, TUV leader Jim Allister, UUP leader Mike Nesbitt, and the SDLP's Alex Attwood, also attended the service for Mr Nelson, who was described as a “trailblazer for Orangeism”.

The senior Orangeman played a leading role within the organisation since his election to the position in 2004.

He died on Monday aged 60 following a short battle with cancer.

The funeral cortege saw a procession of Orangemen, led by Mr Nelson’s lodge Listullycurran.

Grand Master of the Orange Order Edward Stevenson and Rev Mervyn Gibson were among senior figures who carried his coffin.

The funeral service took place at St John’s Church in Hillsborough at 1pm followed by burial at the church graveyard. Mr Nelson was laid to rest next to his father.