THE funeral takes place today of a devoted couple who were killed while travelling to spend Christmas with their son.

Peter and Marjorie Waring of Hope Street, Leigh, died when their car was in a horrific collision with a heavy goods vehicle on the A14 near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.

Mr Waring, 72 and his wife, 73, were driving to Hertfordshire on December 22 to spend Christmas with their son, Carl.

A shocked and tearful neighbour Joan Morris, 74, who had spoken to them before they left, explained: "I couldn't believe it when I heard what had happened.

"We've been friends since 1948 - that's how long we've lived next door to each other.

"We married in the same year and my children, Kathleen and Diane, played with their children, Carl and Jill.

"I am devastated, really shocked. They were very good neighbours and friends, and in half a century of knowing each other we never had one altercation."

The retired couple had been lifelong members at Leigh Parish Church.

The Vicar, Rev Terry Challis, said Christmas had been marred by the tragedy.

He said: "It is a terrible shock. They were a very kind and generous couple and very close. They had many friends within the church and town.

"They loved sport and were big supporters of Lancashire Cricket Club and Manchester City.

"They loved helping others and were very proud of their children and grandchildren.

"It is a great shock to us and has taken the shine out of our Christmas."

A service will be held this afternoon at St Mary's followed by committal at Howe Bridge Crematorium.

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