The father of a firefighter who died rescuing two people fought back the tears as he told how "the world has been cheated" by his son's death.

About 3,000 mourners packed the Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral, in London, yesterday<WED> to pay their respects to father-of-three Adam Meere, 27, of Westcliff, and his colleague Bill Faust, 36, of Surrey.

The pair died after falling through three storeys of a shop in Bethnal Green, east London, in July when the floor collapsed.

Adam's father Pat Meere told how his son was so determined to join the service that he had applied four times before being accepted.

He said: "Adam was a quiet, well-mannered, loving son, grandson and brother. He never had a bad word, thought or deed in him.''

Mr Meere was joined at the memorial service by Adam's brother Daniel, sister-in-law Sarah and girlfriend Natalie Day, 23, along with Southend firefighters and London Mayor Ken Livingstone. His mother Linda and relatives from the United States also attended.

Mr Meere also read out a note which had been left at his son's graveside: "Dear Adam, you are one of the nicest people I knew. I think the world has been cheated. Be peaceful wherever you are. Lots of love, Smithy.''

Adam had moved to Westcliff from Bow with his girlfriend just a month before he died tackling his first fire.

Miss Day said she was overcome with emotion during the ceremony. She said: "It is difficult to speak at the moment as it is all very emotional. It was a beautiful day and it was very overwhelming and emotional for all of us. There were lots of people there - thousands."