A vicar praised a community in mourning during the funeral of a father and son who died in a house fire.

The joint funerals of Brian Brummitt, 31, and his 19-month old son Joshua were held at St Paul's Church, Warwick Road, Banbury, yesterday (September 1) afternoon.

More than 100 family and friends packed the church as the tiny white coffin bearing Joshua and the second adult-sized coffin were brought into church.

told the congregation he was full of praise for the community of Bretch Hill who had rallied together during this time of mourning.

Mr Brummitt and his son were killed when a fire swept through their home in Balmoral Avenue, early in the morning of August 23.

The Rev Bill Townsend said: "We read and hear that the communities of our parents, grandparents and of generations ago were closer than what they are now.

"But this tragedy demonstrates that this is not true. During this time of mourning, we have seen how the community of Bretch Hill have come together to help and support each other." The hymn The Lord Is My Shepherd was played during the funeral and one of the most poignant moments came when Mr Brummitt's sister Brenda read out a letter she had written. She said: "All we are left with are memories of you. We hold you close to our hearts. You died a hero."

Mr Townsend said that it was tragic how two lives, one just in his prime, the other just beginning, were "snatched away from us".

Mr Brummitt's favourite hymn Jerusalem was sung during the funeral, and as the two coffins were being led out of church, the pop song You Can See Clearly Now was played on tape.

Following the service, the two were buried together at Hardwick Hill cemetery, in Southam Road.

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