Stafford fireworks blaze: Funerals held for victims

More than 300 people attended the funeral of Simon Hillier

The funerals have taken place of two men killed in a fireworks warehouse blaze in Stafford.

Simon Hillier and Stewart Staples, both from Hednesford, died in the fire at the SP Plastics industrial unit on the Baswich Estate last month.

Keen kickboxer Mr Hillier, 41, worked at the unit. His funeral took place at St Peter's Church, Hednesford, earlier.

The funeral of Mr Staples, 57, who is believed to have been in the warehouse as a customer, took place on Monday.

Stewart Staples (l) and Simon Hillier (r) were killed in the fire

More than 300 people attended the funeral of Mr Hillier.

Nearby workers described an initial explosion before fireworks detonated overhead and further blasts damaged neighbouring units.

More than 50 firefighters were at the scene at the height of the blaze