By Jane Peel BBC correspondent in Leicester

It was a dismal day as fireman Rob Miller was laid to rest. The pouring rain did not, however, stop people coming out onto the streets of Leicester to pay their final respects.

Firefighters from every brigade across the country were there, many of them forming a guard of honour along the route from their colleague's fire station to the cathedral in the city centre.

They wore black dress uniforms.

Rob Miller died at the age of 44

Ordinary members of the public broke off from their business of the day to join them. They stood silently under their umbrellas as the coffin passed by, carried on a turntable ladder.

The blue emergency light on the engine was blacked out, according to tradition. The coffin was draped in a Union Flag. It bore Rob Miller's fireman's helmet, fire service medals and a single red rose.

There was a particularly poignant moment as the cortege - which included a procession of firefighters from Mr Miller's watch - stopped briefly. It was close to the factory where he lost his life on 31 October.

It makes you realise how dangerous their job is

Onlooker

Mr Miller died after falling through a floor during a severe blaze at the factory. He was searching the disused building in case anyone was inside.

Many of those along the funeral route and outside the cathedral, where the service was relayed on loudspeakers, said they wanted to be there to show their support and sympathy.

One said: "It makes you realise how dangerous their job is."

Inside Leicester Cathedral, the service, led by the Dean, the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, was attended by Mr Miller's widow Jane and their two teenaged sons. His sister, Jane Letten-Miller, gave a reading.

Shining example

Leicestershire's Chief Fire Officer, David Webb, spoke of "a precious life lost".

He said Rob Miller was a big man in every sense, who was held in high esteem by his colleagues.

Firefighters were often portrayed as heroes, he said, and Rob Miller was one of the finest examples of what being a firefighter was all about.

In 1997 he had received a commendation for his part in the rescue of three people from a house fire. In 1999 he was praised for rescuing a 17-year-old from a brook.

Rob Miller's life outside firefighting was also remembered by the mourners.

He was a keen sportsman whose passion was rugby. One of the hymns chosen by his family was the one associated with English rugby, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot".

The death of Rob Miller - known to colleagues as Bob - hit his own White Watch particularly hard. He was one of their most experienced firefighters. He died at the age of 44.