THE widow of a Bradford on Avon trader killed in a car accident on Christmas Day has thanked the people of the town for their support.

Clive Freeman, 74, proprietor of the Roundabout bookshop, Silver Street, died in hospital in Northamptonshire after the accident on the A43 at Milton Malsor.

He and his wife Pam, 71, were travelling to spend Christmas with their daughter Brigette Mariner, 37, son-in-law Danny and two-year-old granddaughter Jemma.

Mrs Freeman is now running the shop with the help of her daughter and son Nigel, 39.

She said: "Everyone has been so understanding. It has been brought home to us how much of a local person Clive was and he was very much looked up to by the customers and his friends.

"All this support has given us strength at what is a very difficult time."

The family were staggered by the number of people who attended Mr Freeman's funeral at Holy Trinity Church on January 7.

Mrs Mariner said: "We must thank the people who came. All I remember about the funeral was seeing a blur and a sea of people supporting us on the day."

Donations received will be given to national charity Road Peace, which helps those bereaved or injured in road crashes.