Villagers said prayers in memory of murdered pensioners James and Joan Britton today.

The Vicar of Strensall, the Rev Martin Harrison led prayers particularly focusing on the Brittons and their family as part of the regular Wednesday morning prayer service at St Mary's Parish Church, Strensall.

Martin Sheppard, of York Diocese, said Mr Harrison had been in touch with the villagers concerned and with the Brittons' family.

Friends of Mr Britton, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, said today he was a "decent, peaceful" man - and spoke of his passion for beekeeping.

Mr Britton, 80, and his wife, Joan, 82, were found dead at their home in Strensall, on Sunday. Both had been stabbed.

They were described by the police as "frail" and "law-abiding".

Mrs Britton was virtually housebound and was reported to have only come out of hospital a few weeks ago.

Police are trying to trace Mark Hobson in connection with their murders and those of Claire and Diane Sanderson.

The Britton family spoke for the first time of their loss and urged the public to help bring the couple's killer to justice.

The couple's daughter, Catherine Wilkins, said: "We are very shocked and distressed about the sudden and unexplained deaths of our mum and dad, Joan and Jim Britton.

"If anyone has any information which can help the police, we would urge them to come forward so that the person or persons responsible for this appalling crime can be caught as soon as possible.

"We are a private family and wish to be left alone to be able to come to terms with our loss."

Mr Britton, a keen apiarist who once sold honey from his home in Strensall Road, was a former chairman and long-standing member of York and District Beekeepers' Association.

Vice-chairman Robin Coleman, 59, a joiner from Wigginton, was a good friend of the couple for 20 years and fitted their kitchen when they first moved to Strensall.

He said today that he was horrified to hear the news of Mr Britton's murder.

"Jim was a genuine old guy," said Mr Coleman. "I did some work in his house over the years. He was quite frail and decided last year to stop beekeeping."

Updated: 13:46 Wednesday, July 21, 2004