TRIBUTES have been paid to a devoted couple who died within days of each other.

Joan Clarkson died after a short illness on Tuesday, January 13, aged 70.

Her husband, Bill, 72, died at the home they shared in Shildon on the day of her funeral, seven days later.

Last night, their family talked of a popular couple who were well known in Shildon for running a newsagents in Byerley Road, and later for their work with Shildon Football Club.

Many people also knew Mr Clarkson from his long walks around the town with his devoted companion, Toby, an 11-year-old dog.

Daughter Susan, 39, said that her mother had served on the board of directors at Shildon Football Club for five years until her death. While her father still enjoyed watching the games, he had not been a director for some time.

Miss Clarkson said she and her brother, Gary, 35, had been touched by the number of well-wishers who sent cards.

She said: "Everybody has been lovely. In a way it is nice that they have gone so close together.''

A joint funeral will be held in Shildon Methodist Church today, at 2.30pm.