HUNDREDS of mourners are expected at the funeral of a much-loved Chester man found shot and stabbed.

The celebration of the life of Martin Ithell, 49, from Great Boughton, takes place at St Lawrence Church, Stoak, on Monday April 11, at 1pm, close to where he grew up on a farm in Wervin.

This will be followed by a service at Blacon Crematorium at 2.30pm.

A man and a women have been charged with his murder.

The church only holds 150 people so a public address system will relay the service to up to 300 mourners outside.

Martin’s partner Sarah Potbury, who will try to address the congregation, said: “In conversations I had with him, he always said ‘If anything ever happens just make sure everyone is not morbid’.

“It’s hard to be like that after what’s happened but he would not want people to be miserable.”

She added: “I don’t think it’s sunk in. I keep expecting him to come through the door.”

Martin’s close friend Tony O’Donnell from Chester and his cousin are expected to read the eulogies. Pall bearers will also be close friends.

Hymns will be the Lord is My Shepherd and Abide with Me. Martin’s favourite songs will feature at the crematorium with mourners filing into Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind and going out to Wind Beneath by Wings by Bett Midler.

Family flowers only are requested with donations to Help for Heroes and Chester Boxing Club, which Martin supported.

Scott Davidson, 22, of Hawthorne Road, Frodsham, and Rachael Horton, 19, of Hawthorn Road, Little Sutton, will appear at Chester Crown Court on the day of the funeral charged with murder.