THE pregnant wife of van blast victim Andy Herd has spoken of how much they had both been looking forward to becoming parents.

Jennifer Herd's heartfelt tribute was read on her behalf by Reverend Malcolm Goodall - who married the couple in 2003 - at a packed funeral service yesterday.

"Andy was my best friend as well as my husband. He always made me laugh and loved nothing more than being at home and helping with the garden," she wrote.

"I loved his cheeky grin and how reassuring he was, everything was okay when he was around and he made everything better.

"We were really looking forward to the future and being parents. He was so full of fun and was the best husband I could have wished for, I love him with all my heart."

Hundreds attended the emotional service at St Mary's and St Stephen's Parish Church in Wolsingham, County Durham, which was followed by interment..

The 33-year-old welder died on Saturday, May 26, when gas cylinders in the back of his van exploded as he drove through the town's Market Place - just a short distance from the church.

Rev Goodall, who led the service, added: "It is an understatement to say that this has been a difficult week, each one of us in the town has been touched by the tragic death of Andrew Herd.

"He was a young man snatched from his family who are devastated and his wife is inconsolable. I married Andy and Jennifer at this very church on August 30, 2003."

Speaking at the service, Andy's father, Ian Herd said: "I will always be very proud of my son, he didn't have a bad bone in his body.

"I will never forget how over the moon he was when he rang me up telling me he was going to be a father. Losing a child really is every parent's worst fear."

Scores of floral tributes and heartfelt messages were laid on the path leading up to the church and in the market square.

Hymns picked for the service included All Things Bright and Beautiful and Oh Perfect Love.

Many were moved to tears as the coffin was borne out of the church to the accompaniment of Keane's The Last Time.

* The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the permission of Mr Herd's family.

Appeal funds set up in wake of disaster

TWO appeal funds have been set up for the victims of the explosion in Wolsingham.

The Wolsingham disaster fund was set up by Wolsingham Parish Council and aims to support Andy's widow and unborn child as well as helping homeowners with the cost of repairing their premises.

Wear Valley District Council made the first contribution by pledging £1,000 and Durham County Council donated a further £2,000.

Mr Herd's family asked mourners at Mr Herd's funeral yesterday to donate to the fund in lieu of flowers.

To contribute to the disaster fund call 01388-526826 or donate in person at collection boxes set up in Wolsingham at The Paper Shop, Spar, Watsons, The Post Office, Serendipity, Julie's Coffee, Barclays Bank, Shuttleworths and local pubs.

The Flump Fund has been set up by Mr Herd's widow, Jennifer, and all funds raised will go towards looking after her baby girl when she is born.

Donations can be made at Barclays Bank in Wolsingham