Australia death couple's funeral held in Shropshire

Jason Francis and Alice Robinson, originally from Shropshire, died in Australia in December

A funeral has been held for a British couple who died within hours of each other in Australia.

Jason Francis, 29, was hit by a car in Perth on 22 December and partner, Alice Robinson, was later found dead.

A joint service "of celebration and thanksgiving" was held at Telford Crematorium in Shropshire on Friday.

Friend, Ian George, said: "They did more in the few years they were together than most people do in a lifetime."

The couple, originally from Shropshire, moved to Perth last year.

More than 44,000 Australian dollars (£22,175) was raised via a Go Fund Me Page set up by Mr Francis' Australian rugby team Cottesloe to help the couple's relatives with any costs associated with returning their bodies to the UK.

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Mr George, vice-chairman of Bridgnorth Rugby Club, said Mr Francis was a talented sportsman.

"They were a very popular couple," he added.

"I know their love for each other was obviously massive."

Bridgnorth Rugby Club raised £16,000 for the families through a charity match, where Jason's father threw the ball at the start

He said: "Knowing what Jason was like, he wouldn't want everybody to be sad.

"He was the sort of lad who would walk into a room and light it up with his presence."

Inquests into both deaths are due to be opened on 28 February at Shirehall in Shrewsbury.