Mourners missed out on tributes at a funeral service because loudspeakers at a crematorium were out of action, writes Karen Rosine.

Pat Godfrey, of Liddell Road, Cowley, said she was "absolutely disgusted" after not being able to hear a word of the service for Mark Evans, 32.

Mark, son of Glen and Nick Evans, of Carpenter Close, Minchery Farm, Littlemore, died on April 26 after catching a viral infection in his lungs.

About 350 friends and family attended Oxford Crematorium to pay tribute to the keen rugby and cricket player. There were so many mourners 200 stood outside in pouring rain. Mr and Mrs Evans were too upset to talk to the Mail.

But Mrs Godfrey, who has known the family for years, said: "We could hear the organ but could not hear the speakers, service or the vicar. It was diabolical.

"Nobody outside could hear. Glen said to me 'I am so sad you never heard any of those tributes'." Crematorium manager Paul Stubbs said the PA system was working at the start but someone inadvertently knocked the microphone and switched it off.

Staff couldn't get in to switch it on because of the number of mourners. The system had since been changed.

Mr Stubbs said: "We would like to extend our apologies to the people outside but regrettably the circumstances were outside of our control."

Story date: Wednesday 19 May

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