A MEMORIAL service is to be held for a woman murdered by her husband even though her body has never been found.

It will take place at St George's Church in Orleton at 6.30pm on Wednesday, June 5.

Her husband John Taylor, aged 61, was convicted of her murder last month and ordered to serve a minimum of 17 years in prison.

“The disappearance of Alethea Taylor and John Taylor’s subsequent conviction of his wife’s murder took place before my time," said The Rev Bruce Thomson, the new vicar at Orleton Church.

"I hope and pray, therefore, that this memorial service will bring comfort to all those who knew Alethea and help the community of Orleton in their grief.”

Alethea was the organise at the church and place a role in church services and the community.

The 63-year-old was also a member of the Birchpole singers and the choir will be singing at the service.