THE deaths of pensioners James and Joan Britton brought "shock and horror" to their family and the wider community, mourners at their funeral service were told.

The Rev Martin Harrison, vicar of St Mary's, Strensall, was commenting on the "cruel way" the couple were taken away.

"Their deaths and the manner of their deaths brought shock and horror, not only to the family, but also to the wider community," he told a packed church of about 150 family and friends who gathered yesterday to say their final farewells.

The Brittons' daughters, Catherine Wilkins and Anne Squires, were among mourners who heard how the terrible news of their deaths had received worldwide coverage.

The vicar said this gave yesterday's 30-minute service "particular poignancy."

Mr Harrison said that family and friends were giving thanks for the couple's lives "against a backdrop of what appears to be a cruel, evil and cowardly act of violence".

The bodies of retired British Rail surveyor James Britton, 80, and wife Joan, 82, were discovered at their large Strensall home on July 18. The couple, married for more than 50 years, had both been stabbed and beaten, according to police.

Heartfelt notes attached to flowers on both caskets included condolences from the parents of twins Claire and Diane Sanderson, found dead in a house at Camblesforth, near Selby, also on July 18. "Our thoughts are with you," read the message from Jacqueline and George Sanderson.

There was also a floral tribute from grandchildren Phil, Richard and Lisa, which said their grandparents had been "cruelly taken away". Another wreath was from York and District Beekeepers' Association, and mourners were told that Mr Britton was a keen beekeeper, earning the nickname "Mr B the Bee man".

Mrs Wilkins wrote a fond tribute to her parents, which was read to mourners by Mr Harrison.

She recalled how her parents met in Hartlepool and married in 1943. Towards the end of the Second World War Joan enrolled with the ATS, while her husband joined the RAF and flew Spitfires.

They moved to York, and Mr Britton went on to become a British Rail surveyor. His wife worked as a school secretary.

The couple moved to Strensall in 1976. They were quiet and well respected, mourners were told, and Mr Britton was a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.

The service - attended by Detective Superintendent Javad Ali, the man who led the massive investigation into the deaths of the Brittons and the Sanderson sisters - was followed by a private burial at Strensall Cemetery.

All donations went to Cancer Research.

The Evening Press was at the funeral by invitation.

Former dustman Mark Hobson, 34, of New Lane, Selby, has been charged with murdering the Brittons and the Sanderson sisters. He is due to appear before a judge at Leeds Crown Court later this year for a plea and directions hearing.

Updated: 10:33 Thursday, August 26, 2004