SOMERSHAM Parish Church was packed on Monday for the funeral of former school secretary Marian Hope Wakeling, who died aged 74. In addition to her job at the village primary school, Mrs Wakeling was also clerk to Somersham Parish Council. She and her late

SOMERSHAM Parish Church was packed on Monday for the funeral of former school secretary Marian Hope Wakeling, who died aged 74.

In addition to her job at the village primary school, Mrs Wakeling was also clerk to Somersham Parish Council.

She and her late husband Bob, a heavy goods vehicle mechanic who died about 10 years ago, shared the distinction of being the first married couple to serve as special constables in Cambridgeshire.

After retirement, she worked as a counsellor for the victim support service and as a volunteer driver of patients from the village to hospitals in the area.

Mrs Wakeling, who lived at Park House, in the High Street, was described by a friend as "a real pillar of the community". She leaves a son, Dale.

Interment beside her late husband at Somersham Parish Church was due to take place this afternoon (Wednesday) at 3pm.