Hundreds packed out Blacon Crematorium to say their final goodbyes to a much-loved Chester couple who lost their lives in a tragic plane crash.

Pauline Prescott, wife of former deputy prime minister John Prescott, and ex-Chester City footballer Gary Talbot were among the mourners paying tribute to pilot Gary Vickers and his girlfriend Kaye Clarke who were killed when their light aircraft crashed at Hawarden Airport on November 15.

The pair, who lived together at Dingle Bank, Curzon Park, were regular flyers in Mr Vickers’ twin-engine plane and had been on their way back from a shopping trip to Paris when the tragedy happened.

Today (Friday), Gary’s father Gordon, who co-owned The Mill Hotel in Chester with his son, led tributes at the joint service, recalling fond memories he had shared with Gary, 58.

He spoke of Gary’s love of sports and said his son was someone who ‘always wanted to be the best’ in everything he did.

Gordon described the father-of-two as a ‘meticulous flyer’ who planned every journey precisely, and even knew exactly where to get the best fuel from at the best prices.

“About 15 years ago I suggested we both take up flying and at first Gary said no because it was too dangerous but he persevered and went on to get his licence and purchase the Cessna Twin plane which he flew all over Europe,” he said.

“Gary also loved skiing and had a home in Andorra, where he moved so he could be close to the slopes.”

He said Kaye, 42, who had been Gary’s partner for six years, was ‘a lovely, lovely lady’ who loved handbags and shoes.

She was known affectionately in the family as ‘Sweet Little Cupcake Kaye’ and was ‘devoted’ to Gary, he said.

Officiating at the service, Father Paul Shaw described the Vickers family as ‘a great family of Chester’ and said they and the Clarkes had been ‘united in their grief’ to help and support each other over the last two weeks.

“Everyone who looks at the Mill Hotel is reminded of the Vickers family who had a dream to turn an old cotton mill into the thriving place it is today,” he said.

“They will be missed.”

And Gary’s son James shared anecdotes and gave a touching eulogy to his father, who he and sister Rebecca had lovingly dubbed ‘the ultimate embarrassing dad’.

“We learned so much from our dad, in particular never to walk a dog on rollerblades!

“My dad worked very hard and always encouraged us to be the best we could be,” he said.

“We hope he’ll be proud of us and what we’ve achieved and hope wherever he and Kaye are now is a happy place.

“We will miss them and never forget them.”

The service included the hymns  I Watch the Sunrise and How Great Thou Art and, as mourners left the crematorium, the couple’s favourite song Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon was played.

It was followed by a gathering at the Mill Hotel.