HUNDREDS of firefighters lined the streets today in a show of respect and grief at the funeral of a ''hero'' colleague who lost his life battling a blaze in a residential tower block.

Alan Bannon, 38, died tackling the fire at Shirley Towers in Southampton, on April 6.

His colleague James Shears, 35, from Poole, Dorset, also died at the same incident.

The funeral cortège left St Mary's Fire Station in Southampton and passed hundreds of mourners, including hundreds of off-duty firefighters and members of the public, as it headed to St Mary's Church.

The coffin, draped in the fire service standard with Mr Bannon's firefighting helmet on top, was carried on a turntable ladder fire appliance accompanied by the pallbearers.

In front of the appliance was the fire service's group manager Stewart Adamson.

The appliance was followed by five limousines, with St Mary's station manager Dave Graham and members of Red Watch walking behind.

The St Mary's fire engine followed with the rest of the crews from the station on foot behind.

Margaret Bannon, the mother of Mr Bannon, said the family had lost a caring father, a loving son and a dear friend who always wanted to be a firefighter.

Mr Bannon from Southampton was married to Charlotte and father to five-year-old Abigail. He lived near his parents, Margaret and Patrick and sister, Lin, and joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2001.

His parents said in a statement released today: ''There are sons and there are special sons.

''Alan was one of the special ones.

''He was always there when we needed help and support either practically or emotionally.

''He absolutely loved his daughter, Abi, and he did everything for her.

''He could never understand why we were proud of him especially when he became a firefighter.

''We have always been proud of you Alan but you studied hard to achieve your ambition, it meant so much to you, and that is why we are so proud of you as our son.''

The firefighters were found unconscious on the ninth floor of the block. Mr Bannon died at the scene and Mr Shears later in hospital.

A joint fire service and police investigation is continuing to find out what caused the fire in flat 72 and how the experienced men, from Red Watch based at St Mary's Fire Station in Southampton, died.

It appears the blaze could have started when a curtain caught fire when it was left over a light bulb, according to local people.

Two other firefighters suffered burns to their hands fighting the fire, which was contained to the one flat.

All the residents were evacuated and none was injured.

The funeral of Mr Shears will take place at St George's Church in Poole, Dorset, on Friday, April 30.

This will be followed by a private committal service which will be attended by family, friends, and close colleagues.

A memorial service is planned for both firefighters at Winchester Cathedral in July.