COLLEAGUES, family and friends will pay their respects at the funeral of a well-known businesswoman today.

Annette Hewitson lost her four-year battle against a rare form of melanoma cancer, which spread from her mouth, on Thursday.

She died at the family home, in Gilesgate, Durham, aged 53.

Annette and husband Terry were behind the successful Executive Coach and Catering Services business, employing a dozen people at premises in the High Street, Carrville, on the outskirts of Durham City.

Born Annette Urwin, in Darlington, she was the daughter of a policeman and was brought up in the Mowden area of the town.

The couple were married for 33 years, with two grown up sons.

They moved to Durham and set up the business more than 20 years ago, providing catering served by hostesses on coach journeys.

Mr Hewitson said his wife was very active, "sorting out the office side" of the operation, and was highly regarded in the wider local business network.

Despite her illness, she continued to work until the last three months.

A large congregation of mourners is expected to attend today's funeral, at St Giles' Church, Gilesgate, at 1.30pm.

It will be followed by burial at Belmont Cemetery.