THE funeral of leading York retailer Victoria Bage, was taking place today, followed by a horse-drawn procession through the city centre.

Victoria, who chaired the Sarah Coggles fashion chain as well as holding the franchise for a number of French Connection UK outlets, died suddenly ten days ago.

A funeral service was being held at St Olave's Church in Marygate. The cortege was then due to process through Bootham Bar and along Low Petergate, past the Sarah Coggles store, to Kings Square.

Updated: 11:08 Wednesday, April 16, 2003