A PENSIONER was due to appear in court today charged with the murder of his wife.

John Boyes, 65, of Elland Road, Brierfield, is accused of killing his wife, Celia, who was discovered by police at their home yesterday.

Inquiries into her death, led by Detective Superintendent Paul Buschini, congtinued throughout the day and Boyes was charged last night.

Police were called to the couple's council-owned bungalow at 8.30am.

The house, which is one of 10 bungalows for elderly people, was sealed off while a forensic team searched the area.

Neighbours said the couple had moved to the quiet cul-de-sac from another part of Brierfield about eight months ago.

Harold Pearson, 72, who lives opposite, said: "I got up and looked out of the window and saw the police car pull up.

"We didn't know what had happened .

"They hadn't lived there a long time. They tended to keep themselves to themselves and never had any visitors and had no relatives.

"They went out a lot and we saw them going out together in the car on Monday afternoon."

Another neighbour Margaret Stackhouse, 73, added: "They were quite new to that house.

"I used to see her take her dog for a walk regularly."

Ward councillor Frank Clifford said he had contacted Pendle Council housing manager Ian Broughton about arranging counselling for other residents.

Boyes was due to appear before Burnley magistrates.