Hundreds lined a town’s high street to pay their respects to a much-loved pet shop owner who was killed in a crash.

Mourners filled the High Street in Cricklade, Wiltshire, to remember Barbara Mullaney, who ran the Animal Fayre shop in the town.

Some people had brought their dogs with them to honour the animal lover and the pets started barking when many people began clapping as the funeral director led the hearse at walking pace down Cricklade High Street.

The cortege paused briefly outside the Animal Fayre shop before continuing its journey to the North Wiltshire Crematorium.

Ms Mullaney, who died in a collision in June near Royal Wotton Bassett, had owned the pet shop – known to many as “Aunty Barbara’s” – for more than 30 years.

Following her death, Anthony Howells, 43, was charged with murder, dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, failing to stop after a road accident and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Howells, of no fixed address, is due to appear before Bristol Crown Court next month.

Dozens of floral tributes were left outside the pet shop following Ms Mullaney’s death.

One said: “We offer our condolences, Auntie Barb was such a lovely, caring vibrant lady. Always had time for a chat. She will be greatly missed. RIP Barbara.”

Another said: “Barbara Mullaney was sadly taken from us on Tuesday June 30.

“We pray for Patrick, Jeanette, Molly & all Barbara’s family & friends, that they may be comforted in the knowledge that Barbara was loved by so many.

“May she be remembered always in our hearts with love.”

One family member posted on social media to thank the support of the Cricklade community.

“Words can’t describe the devastation,” they wrote.

“It has been helped so much by the unbelievable outpouring of literally hundreds of people whose hearts Barbara has touched over the years in her little shop.

“The shop is bedecked with such an array of flowers.

“We just can’t thank them enough and tell them how proud of her this makes us feel.

“Barbara was a lady who was loved by more people than I could ever have imagined, most of whom I have never had the privilege of meeting.”

Another wrote: “A thank you from our family.

“For the beautifully overwhelming amount of love, support, hugs, offers, tributes, photos, visits, gifts, flowers, cards, poems, messages and of course – parsley for Worzel.

“It goes without saying that, as is the rest of Cricklade community, we are beyond devastated.”