A FUNERAL service was due to be held today for an elderly couple found stabbed to death in their home near York.

The bodies of retired British Rail surveyor James Britton, 80, and wife Joan, 82, were discovered at their Strensall home on July 18.

The couple, married for more than 50 years, had both been stabbed and beaten, according to police.

Dozens of mourners from the close-knit community were expected to join the Brittons' two daughters for the service, at St Mary's Church, at 1.30pm. The funeral, being conducted by the Rev Martin Harrison, was to be followed by a private burial at Strensall Cemetery. The family has asked for donations to be made in support of cancer research.

Former dustman Mark Hobson, 34, of New Lane, Selby, has been charged with murdering the couple and is due to appear before a judge at Leeds Crown Court in December for a plea and directions hearing.

He is also charged with murdering 27-year-old twin sisters, Claire and Diane Sanderson. A funeral service for the Sandersons took place last week at East Cowick, near Selby.

Updated: 11:16 Wednesday, August 25, 2004