THE family of an elderly caretaker who was killed at a Stacksteads mill have been given permission to hold his funeral, after an inquest was opened.

East Lancs coroner David Smith adjourned the hearing sine die after evidence from Bryan Platt's widow Audrey and afterwards Mrs Platt thanked both the police and the press for their handling of the death of her 74-year-old husband.

In a statement, Mrs Platt said she, her daughter Lesley and son Tony wanted to thank the media for their "sensitive," coverage and also for help to the police investigating the case.

She went on: "The personal help I am receiving from the police is immeasureable. I cannot thank them enough."

Mrs Platt, of Sycamore Close, Burnley, said the family also wanted to say thank you for all the letters, cards and flowers they had received and to those who had placed flowers at Nunnhills Mill, Blackwood Road, where her husband, also known as Joe, was found dead on February 10.

She added: "The kindness and consideration shown by the police, the press and the public has brought great comfort to our family.

"It is good to know that although we have lost Joe in tragic circumstances, there are still caring people around us."

The funeral of Mr Platt, whose body was discovered by his boss, will take place on March 16. After a service at Habergham All Saints Church, Padiham Road, Burnley, Mr Platt, who had been married for 52 years, will be cremated. There will be family flowers only but donations will be accepted in memory of Mr Platt, a member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffalos, to be donated to the Marie Curie Cancer Fund.

Mrs Platt, whose family was with her at the hearing at Burnley Magistrates Court, told the inquest her husband had started working for Calder Marketing 10 years ago and his tasks at Nunnhills Mill included taking orders by phone or fax and then delivering to local companies. He worked from Monday to Friday, normally alone and sometimes was called upon to work Saturdays.

On Saturday February 10, about 9am, Mr Platt received a phone call from his employer telling him he would be going to the mill around 4pm and Mr Platt said he was going there to carry out some maintenance work.

Mrs Platt said he left for work around 9.30am in his Proton car and that was the last time she saw him.

Asked by the coroner, she said during the time leading up to Mr Platt's death he had not mentioned any suspicious activities going on at the mill.

Detective Constable Jarron Sharp, stationed at Rawtenstall, confirmed a man named Gavin Cox had been charged with the murder of Mr Platt.

The case had been sent to Preston Crown Court for a preliminary hearing.

Mr Smith said a second post mortem examination had now taken place on Mr Platt and the Corner said he had received a letter from Gavin Cox's solicitors saying there was no objection to Mr Platt's body being released for funeral arrangements. He added the family could now go ahead with the funeral.

Details of times for the service and cremation can be obtained from the Co-op Funeral Service on 01282 426146.