RELATIVES of a father and son who died in a car crash have asked mourners to dress brightly for their funeral.

Shaun Gellatly, 28, and his father, Malcolm, or Mally, were larger than life characters and their family wants today's service to reflect that.

Shaun, of Park Avenue, Coxhoe, County Durham, and Mally, 48, of Westfield Way, Redcar, east Cleveland, were back seat passengers in a Rover which overturned on the A177 in east Durham.

Shaun's sister-in-law, Anglela Gellatly, said they would not have wanted the service to be a sad affair because they loved laughing so much.

She said: "Shaun and Mally liked colour and did not like things to be too traditional.

"They would not want it to be a black and sombre affair.

"They were always full of fun so we want it to be a celebration of their life.

"We want everyone to give them a damn good send off."

The service will be held at noon at St Mary's Church, Coxhoe, followed by burial at Bowburn Cemetery.

A wake will be held afterwards at the Kicking Cuddy Inn, Coxhoe, where Shaun and Mally used to play pool.

Shaun's wife, Amanda Bamling-Gellatly, said: "They both had a real twinkle in their eyes and cheeky smiles. They were more like best mates."

Amanda married Shaun, her childhood sweetheart, 11 months ago and the couple planned to start a family.