A BOOK of condolence has opened in Basingstoke to remember David Thompson and the 37 others who died in the beach massacre in Tunisia.

People from across the borough, including those at St Paul's Church in Tadley, close to Mr Thompson's home, observed a minute’s silence at midday today to honour the victims.

The book of condolence is available to sign at the reception of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The borough’s mayor, Councillor Anne Court, said: “Following the news of the tragic event in Tunisia we have set up a book of condolence at the council offices, for anyone that wishes to express their sympathy to the families of those affected.

“The devastating news that one of the borough’s residents was a victim in this tragedy has certainly shocked the close knit community of Tadley and also meant that, as a borough, we feel a strong local connection to what is being felt nationally.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of all the victims along with others affected by this tragedy.”

Basingstoke Gazette:

David Thompson

Mr Thompson’s body was repatriated yesterday on a flight from Tunis.

The coffins carrying the remains of Lisa and William Graham, Philip Heathcote, Trudy Jones, Ann and James McQuire, Janet and John Stocker, and Mr Thompson were loaded into hearses in a sombre ceremony at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

Military personnel unloaded the coffins, which were topped with floral arrangements, and slowly carried them from the RAF C-17 transport plane used to bring them back from Tunisia into the waiting hearses.

The task, performed by members of the RAF Regiment's Queen's Colour Squadron, was witnessed by relatives of the dead who were present at the airbase.