A MEMORIAL service will be held for murdered Bewdley ex-schoolteacher Betty Yates.

It will be at St Anne's Parish Church in Bewdley, on Wednesday, April 18, at noon.

Her family hope the service to remember her life will give all who wish to an opportunity to share their sadness but also to celebrate a life well-lived and well-loved.

A collection will be raised in memory of Mrs Yates for Kemp Hospice and International Needs UK. Anyone who is unable to attend who would like to make a donation can visit justgiving.com/ betty-yates.

The man accused of murdering Mrs Yates and a Gloucestershire vicar has appeared in court via a videolink. Stephen Farrow, 47, made a brief videolink appearance at Bristol Crown Court from Long Lartin Prison in Worcestershire last Friday.

Farrow, of no fixed address, is accused of the murder of the Rev John Suddards, 59 between February 13 and 15 and the murder of Mrs Yates, 77 between January 1 and 5.

During the preliminary hearing, Farrow spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear the proceedings. The plea and case management hearing, which had been previously fixed for June 1, was rescheduled for June 29.

The court heard that Farrow’s trial was likely to take place before a High Court judge.

Judge Neil Ford QC, The Recorder of Bristol, remanded Farrow into custody.

Farrow was arrested in Folkestone, Kent last month, thanks to a tip-off from the public after Avon and Somerset Police launched a nationwide manhunt.