The family of Ian Paisley will gather for his funeral later today. Paisley's son, the Reverend Kyle Paisley, will lead a family service at the home of the North's former First Minister in east Belfast, before the funeral in County Down.

Mr Paisley, who died on Friday at the age of 88, had requested the ceremony and burial be private.

Politicians will pay tribute to him at a special sitting of the Northern Assembly later, and a public memorial is also expected to be held on another date.

In a statement released on Friday, his wife Eileen said "My beloved husband, Ian, entered his eternal rest this morning. Although ours is the grand hope of reunion, naturally as a family we are heartbroken.

"We loved him and he adored us, and our earthly lives are forever changed. According to Ian's wishes his funeral will be private and attended only by the immediate family, as will be his burial."

"As a family we appreciate that there will be an expectation by those who admired him to express their gratitude for his life and their sorrow at his passing. To that end we will in due course publish details of a public memorial service which, will be scheduled later in the year."

"There will be no further comment or statements made by me or the family at this time."