THE funeral of an elderly York couple who were found dead in their home last month will finally take place next week.

James and Joan Britton, who were found stabbed to death in their home at Strensall, on July 18, will be buried at Strensall Cemetery after a service at St Mary's Church in the village. The service will take place at 1.30 pm next Wednesday.

The family has asked for floral tributes to be sent to funeral directors J G Fielder and Son, Clarence Street, or for donations to be made in support of cancer research.

News of the funeral came as mourners were gathering this afternoon to say their final farewells to twins Claire and Diane Sanderson, who were found dead in a house at Camblesforth, near Selby, also on July 18. The twins' funeral service, conducted by the Archdeacon of Doncaster, the Ven Robert Fitzharris, was taking place this afternoon at Holy Trinity Church, East Cowick, followed by a private cremation.

Former dustman Mark Hobson, 34, of New Lane, Selby, has been charged with murdering James and Joan Britton, and Claire and Diane Sanderson, and is due to appear at Leeds Crown Court in December.

Updated: 14:38 Tuesday, August 17, 2004