Martin McGuinness dies aged 66

• Following the death a week ago of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, UTV presents a special programme on his life.

The funeral of Martin McGuinness has been the biggest in Derry in decades.

Tens of thousands of mourners accompanied his coffin as it was carried through the Bogside. Many more lined the route to say a final farewell.

Gareth Wilkinson was in the Bogside as Martin McGuinness was taken on his final journey

Mourners are gathering in Londonderry for the funeral of former deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

The senior Sinn Féin politician died earlier this week aged 66, following a short illness.

Former US president Bill Clinton and former taoiseach Bertie Ahern are among those in attendance at Long Tower church on Thursday.

DUP leader Arlene Foster arrived a short time ago, alongside former DUP leader and first minister Peter Robinson.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire is representing the UK Government at the funeral.

The funeral of former Northern Ireland deputy first minister Martin McGuinness will take place later in his native Londonderry.

The IRA commander-turned political leader died in the early hours of Tuesday, aged 66, following a short illness.

Thousands of people are expected to turn out to pay their respects on Thursday afternoon.

Former US President Bill Clinton, Irish president Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny are among those who have confirmed they will attend the funeral at St Columba's Church in the city.

The DUP leader Arlene Foster is also expected at the service as well as former first minister Peter Robinson.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire will represent the UK government at Thursday's service alongside a number of senior political, civic and religious leaders.

It's expected the Bogside neighbourhood will come to a standstill during this afternoon's service at the Long Tower church.

Another of the city’s sons will be laid to rest ahead of the Sinn Féin politician.

The funeral of Derry City captain Ryan McBride, who died suddenly on Sunday, takes place at the same church at 10am.

The 27-year-old, who made more than 100 league appearances for his hometown club after making his debut in 2011, led his club to a 4-0 victory over Drogheda United just the day before.

Former US President Bill Clinton and ex-Northern Ireland first minister Peter Robinson are set to join mourners at the funeral of Martin McGuinness in his native Londonderry.

Irish president Michael D Higgins and his predecessor Mary McAleese will also attend requiem mass for the ex-IRA commander turned Stormont deputy first minister, as will Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire will represent the UK government at Thursday's service in the heart of Mr McGuinness's beloved Bogside neighbourhood in Derry.

While former Democratic Unionist leader Mr Robinson is expected at the funeral, by 6.30pm on Wednesday the party had not officially confirmed whether his successor Arlene Foster would attend.

Thousands are expected to bring parts of Derry to a standstill as people say farewell to one of its most famous sons.

Derry city centre manager Jim Roddy commented: “This is a massive event by any scale, number one you’ve got the emotion around the event, you’ve got the dignitaries coming to the event, a massive funeral earlier in the morning with young Ryan McBride, who was another great son of this city so, the long tower church tomorrow is going to be a place of great sadness.”

As preparations for the huge funeral intensified through Wednesday, political leaders in Westminster and Belfast commended Mr McGuinness's contribution to the peace process.