Family fury after Eunice funeral blow

Bereaved relatives of Cannock's number one Elvis fan Eunice Fitch have hit out over the outcome of their seven-week dispute to have her buried in her church.

The family lost its fight to follow out Mrs Fitch's final wishes.

The 65-year-old wanted to be buried at Christ Church in Gentleshaw.

But after being refused permission the family have now accepted defeat and set a funeral date of June 24.

They were denied because she lived outside the parish boundary. The family appealed to the Queen and Archbishop of Canterbury.

Son Baz said: "She would go out of her way to find time to help others in desperate need and raising thousands of pounds for charity despite being in a wheelchair for the last 15 years. After everything our mum has done doesn't that say what sort of person she was? The family feel an exception should have been made for an exceptional lady."

A horse-drawn carriage will take the pink, Elvis-adorned coffin on Tuesday. The family will follow the procession from Eunice's home in Danby Drive, Prospect Village to St Luke's Church in Cannock .

Elvis impersonator Mark Clay will sing outside her home before the procession leaves at 10.15am. The service is at 11.30am and she will be buried at Stile Cop Cemetery in Rugeley.