Double killingvictim’s funeral

Mr Gilmore (55) was found dead in his Waddington Avenue flat along with his friend, 55-year-old Mr James Atkinson, on October 5th.

Fr Roger Parker conducted the service at Burnley Crematorium welcoming mourners saying: “Many still here are reeling from shocking events gone. We are here first and foremost though to say thank you to God for Neil’s, or Gilly as he was known by friends. life.

“He was obviously a popular man who was very close to many of you here today.”

He talked about Mr Gilmore had been born and bred in Burnley but had spent many of his younger years living with his family in Trawden.

Described as “fantastic” pool player. Fr Parker went on to mention how he had moved to Wetherby as a lad hoping to become a jockey.

“Unfortunately though he grew too big,” said Fr Parker, drawing smiles from those in attendance.

The poignant service finished with John Denver’s “Leaving On A Jet Plane”, a touching and humourous reminder of a song his friends used to sing to him after he attempted to drive a BCN bus to Scotland – altering the words slightly to “Leaving On A BCN Bus”.

n Kenneth Howson (25), of Williams Road, and Daniel Waddington (22), of Pine Street, Burnley, have been charged with the murder of the two men. Lee Howson (18), also of Williams Road, has been charged with perverting the course of justice.