THE funeral of a former Darwen mother and her two young children found battered to death in their home was taking place today.

Celeste Bates, 31, Daniel, eight, and 18-month-old Milo were murdered in their beds at the terraced house in Blackburn Road, Egerton, near Darwen. Their bodies were found by police who were called to the scene early on September 9.

After today's 2pm funeral service at Christ Church, Walmsley, Egerton, there was a private family burial in the churchyard.

Celeste lived in the Harwood Street area of Darwen until three years ago.

Peter Christopher Hall, 34, of Moss Shaw Way, Radcliffe, who is accused of the three murders has been further remanded in custody by Bolton magistrates. He did not attend yesterday's hearing and was remanded in custody in his absence.

He is next due in court on October 12 and committal proceedings to the crown court have been fixed for November 9.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.