The state funeral of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria has been held in Krakow, with thousands gathering in the city to pay respects.

A funeral Mass was held in St Mary's Basilica and a procession later took the coffins to be buried in a crypt of the historic Wawel Cathedral.

Many world leaders could not attend due to volcanic ash grounding flights.

The coffins were then taken in a gun-carriage procession through Krakow and on to the walled castle and cathedral at Wawel for a 21-gun salute and the burial.

Thousands lined the streets, waving flags, applauding and chanting: "Lech Kaczynski! We thank you!"

The Krakow ceremonies were for family, friends and international dignitaries but were shown on screens across the city.