Hundreds line street for pet shop owner's funeral

Hundreds have lined a town's high street for the funeral of a popular pet shop owner whose death police are investigating as a murder.

Barbara Mullaney, who was in her 70s, had run the Animal Fayre shop in Cricklade, Wiltshire, for more than 30 years, known to many as Aunty Barbara's.

She died a crash on 30 June on the B4696 between Brinkworth Road and Lydiard Plain, near Royal Wootton Bassett.

Anthony Howells, 43, of no fixed address, was charged with her murder and is due to appear before Bristol Crown Court next month.

Howells is also charged with dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, failing to stop after a road accident and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

In honour of the animal lover, some people had brought their dogs with them, which barked at the applause when the funeral director led the hearse at walking pace down Cricklade High Street.

The cortege paused briefly outside the shop before continuing its journey to the North Wiltshire Crematorium.

Dozens of floral tributes were left outside the store following Ms Mullaney's death.

One said: "We offer our condolences, Auntie Barb was such a lovely, caring vibrant lady. Always had time for a chat. She will be greatly missed. RIP Barbara."

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