Leyland grandmother's coffin taken to her funeral service in proud grandson's truck

The funeral service of Ethel Eileen Crossley, who died aged 96 on May 10, took place at St James Church, Leyland, on Friday.

Although christened Ethel she was better known by her middle name, Eileen.

Eileen's grandson Craig Halton has driven for local plant hire firm Clive Hurt for 17 years and decided it would be a lovely gesture to take her to the church in his truck.

The gleaming vehicle, adorned with the name 'Grandma' in flowers, was near the front of the funeral cortege as it made its way to the church.

Daughter Pauline Crossley, 66, of Lansborough Lane, Leyland, said: "It was one final thing Craig wanted to do for his grandma.

"He takes great pride in it and wanted it to be gleaming for the funeral.

"The funeral directors were a little surprised when we told them about the plans but everything went smoothly.

"Mum had been a member of St James Church all her life so it was very special that we held the funeral there."

The funeral service was led by Father Marc Wolverson.

Eileen and her family have been well known in the Moss Side area for years.

She was born and bred and worked on the market garden of her parents for years before her marriage.

Eileen's late husband Jim was a member of Leyland Council and was a stallholder on Leyland Market on Towngate with Ethel, following the tradition of her parents.

For the last five years of her life she lived at the Melrose Care Home on Moss Lane, Leyland.

The funeral procession left Bretherton’s Funeral Home before travelling along Dunkirk Lane, School Lane and onto Slater Lane, pausing for a short time outside her former home on Lansborough Close, before carrying on to the church.

Eileen, who was pre-deceased by husband Jim and their son Selwyn, leaves daughter Pauline, grandchildren Stephanie Foster and Craig and great grandsons Jamie-Thomas and Kian.