The funeral of PCSO Julia James is set to take place at Canterbury Cathedral next week.

Those wishing to pay their respects to the much-loved grandmother and mum-of-two - who was killed while out walking her dog in a small hamlet near Canterbury in April - are invited to observe the funeral procession on Thursday.

Julia, 53, was tragically found dead on a country footpath near Ackholt Wood, about 400 metres from her home in Snowdown, on the afternoon of April 27.

Callum Wheeler, 21, of Sunshine Corner Avenue in neighbouring Aylesham, has since been charged with her murder.

He is accused of killing the mum-of-two by inflicting serious head injuries while she walked her beloved Jack Russell, Toby.

Julia's family have previously told of their heartbreak following her death. They described her as a fiercely loyal woman who "loved with her whole heart" and brought "so much fun and life to a room".

Julia's daughter, Bethan Coles, has now shared details of her mum's funeral which is to be held at noon on Thursday, July 22.

Those attending the service are invited to wear an item of blue clothing, as a nod to Julia's work as a police community support officer with Kent Police.

While no more requests to attend the service may be accepted, Bethan has shared details of the funeral procession's route for those who wish to pay their respects.

It will travel through Julia's neighbouring village of Aylesham shortly after 11am, en-route to the cathedral.

The procession will make its way through Dorman Avenue South, before continuing around the Market Square and travelling out of the village via Dorman Avenue North.

Posting on Facebook, Bethan wrote: "It would be lovely to see the community come together once more; so if you wish to gather in the Market Square or line the streets for a final farewell please do so.

"We will be leaving Snowdown around 11.05am so I anticipate we will be in the village around 11.10am."

She added that Canterbury Cathedral has offered to live-stream the funeral service, for those unable to attend.

"The Ratling (Aylesham & District Social Club) will be open for those wishing to have a drink in my Mum’s memory and have kindly offered to open early and show the service on their big screen should anyone wish to see it," she continued.

"If anyone wishes to send flowers then we would love to see them placed in the Market Square as they were before."

St Finbarr's Church in Aylesham is also set to open its doors on the day of Julia's funeral, for anyone wishing to light a candle or pause for a moment of reflection.

Julia's burial will be private, attended by family and close friends only.

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