THE funeral takes place today of a former church minister found dead in a field three months after going missing from home.

The body of George Alexander Harding was discovered by a man walking his dog at Farewell Hall Farm, on the outskirts of Durham City, last November.

His wife, Jean, reported 83-year-old Mr Harding missing from home, a mile away in Nevilles Cross, in August.

An inquest last week in Durham was told Mr Harding, a retired minister of the United Reformed Church, suffered from Alzheimer's disease.

He was prone to wandering off, despite the best efforts of Mrs Harding to keep watch on her his movements.

North Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle recorded a verdict of death by natural causes after hearing that police were satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances.

Today's funeral takes place at the United Reformed Church, Waddington Street, Durham City, at 10.45am.

Mourners can make donations to the Alzheimer's Disease Society, at Bullion Lane, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH2 2DW.