LONDON (AP) - A pre-dawn military rehearsal has been held in preparation for Baroness Margaret Thatcher's funeral.

In advance of Wednesday's funeral at St Paul's Cathedral a flag-draped coffin was carried by horse-drawn carriage on Monday to the famous domed cathedral in central London.

Some 700 Armed Forces personnel were in place for the drill.

Officials say the practice was needed to familiarise troops from different service branches with the overall plan.

The funeral of the former prime minister who died last week will be attended by Queen Elizabeth II and many foreign dignitaries.