MOURNERS turned out yesterday as a cortege made its way to a church for the funeral of a well-known businesswoman.

Scores of business people joined friends and family of Annette Hewitson for the service at St Giles' Church, Gilesgate, Durham.

She lost a four-year battle with cancer when she died at home, in Gilesgate, on Thursday, aged 53.

She continued to work at the family business, Executive Coach and Catering Services, at Carrville, Durham, until three months ago.

Mrs Hewitson and her husband, Terry, were partners in a catering business supplying refreshments for coach outings and other functions.

Born in Darlington, she was brought up in the Mowden Park area of the town.

She was married to Terry for 33 years, and she leaves two grown-up sons.

The couple moved to Durham and set up the business more than 20 years ago.

Following the service, Mrs Hewitson was buried at Belmont cemetery.