THE family of Karen and Chris Sloane have paid tribute to a precious couple.

Their children, 16-year-old Ann and eight-year-old Steven, said that they were wonderful, much-loved parents who would be sadly missed.

Karen's parents, Marjorie and David Fletcher, her brother, Tony Fletcher, and Chris's mum, Marjorie Sloane, and brother Tony Sloane, said both were very precious to their families, particularly their children whom they loved so much.

"No words can express our sense of loss at this sad time.

But, they said: "We would like to thank all those who have sincerely sent good wishes and words of comfort.

"It is indeed a comfort to know they were treasured by so many."

A neighbour of Christopher and Karen said the whole of the nearby community had been affected by the tragedy.

Kenneth Kelsall, of Fairfield Place, explained that everyone in the locality knew everyone else.

"It's affected each and every one of us, even the people who aren't very close to the family," he said,

"They're just deeply upset and moved by what's happened.

"At the moment, there's a real need to do something to support all the families, not just the families within the Fairfield community but all of the families on the coach," he said.