Mourners remember murdered twins

About 250 mourners gathered at the village church

About 250 mourners have attended the funerals of twin sisters killed in North Yorkshire last month.

Claire and Diane Sanderson, 27, were found dead at a flat in Camblesforth near Selby on 18 July.

Mark Hobson, 34, from Selby, has since been remanded in custody, charged with their murders.

Doncaster archdeacon Bob Fitzharris, who led the service at East Cowick near Goole, said the time had been difficult for the twins' family.

Devoted sisters

He said the congregation had come "to celebrate their (the twins') 27 years on this earth. To say and acknowledge their wicked and untimely taking leaves a hole that no words can ever fill, nor should they.

He described the twins as beautiful girls, "each with their own personality and beauty".

Mr Fitzharris said the sisters were devoted to one another and were remembered fondly by staff at the school next door to the church.

The twins' parents were said to have coped well

Earlier, a funeral procession of seven cars left the centre of the village, where the girls grew up.

The twins' tearful parents, George, 56, and his 54-year-old wife Jacqueline, walked arm in arm to the 150-year-old church for the service.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Fitzharris said the parents had coped well during the service.

"They were both very strong and they were supported by their family. The service was just how they wanted it to be. It was a tribute and a remembrance service for their daughters.

"To lose two children to murder is unimaginable and they will need time to live together, cry together and hug together and let the whole healing process begin organically," he said.

The mourners left the church after the 35-minute service to go to a private cremation.