Tears for tragic pair

MOURNERS gather behind horse-drawn carriages on Copsterhill Road yesterday

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GRIEF-STRICKEN mourners turned out in force to pay their respects to two young girls who died after a hit-and-run on New Year's Eve.

Cousins Helena Kotlarova (12) and Zaneta Krokova (11) were given a poignant farewell yesterday morning, as more than 100 family members, friends and neighbours paid their respects at the funeral at St Paul's Church on Ashton Road.

After the service the coffins were taken in two white, horse-drawn carriages, filled with dozens of beautifully arranged flowers.

The usually busy Ashton Road fell silent, save for the traditional music that was played by a group of musicians, in keeping with the girls' Eastern European heritage.

There were several temporary road closures in place while the cortège made its way down Neild Street and Copster Hill Road, then on to Oldham Crematorium in Roman Road.

Dozens of people came out of their homes to watch the procession and pay their respects.

Helena and Zaneta were on Ashton Road, Oldham, when they were hit by a car at around 7.15pm on Saturday, December 31.

They had just bought some sweets and chocolates from the Australian Wines off-licence and were holding hands to cross the road to meet their friends when the tragic accident happened, close to the Copster Hill Road junction.

Helena and Zaneta were born in ?esky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Their families then moved to Oldham and are both known widely in their local community.

Helena, from Montreal Street, died at the scene.

She arrived in the UK with her parents Sylva and Robert and her eight siblings from the Czech Republic eight years ago.

She went to Collective Spirit School in Chadderton and loved singing and dancing.

Zaneta, from nearby Enfield Avenue, was a pupil at Oasis Academy.

She was fighting for her life in hospital but died died days later.

In a eulogy for the two cousins, the Rev Nick Andrewes said: "Helena was full of energy and life, and didn't like to see anyone sad. Zaneta was warm-hearted and generous.

"The sudden and shocking death of the girls reminds us how precious, and yet how fragile, is the life and love that we share.

"Our diverse community has come together to support the families of Zaneta and Helena in their grief.

"We invite you, if you are able, to continue to pray for the families and all who are saddened by what happened on New Year's Eve and afterwards, or simply to hold them in your thoughts.

"We pray for those who mourn for hope in despair, for comfort in grief, for healing in pain.

"We pray for the light of Christ to shine in the darkness."

Imran Raza (28), who lives two doors away from Helena's house, stayed outside the church, as he said it was too difficult for him go inside.

He said: "I saw Helena an hour before the accident happened. She walked past my house.

"She was a lively and happy girl. Her family are good people.

"Her sister is my daughter's friend. I can't go in to the church for the funeral, it's too hard."

Norma and Philip Reading came out of their house in Howgill Crescent, Hathershaw, to watch the funeral procession make its way down Copster Hill Road.

It was difficult for them to watch, they explained, as their son Shane had been involved in a hit-and-run in 2000. Fortunately, he made a good recovery.

Norma (62) said: "It's so sad ­- two young girls losing their life for nothing.

"It's senseless. It's just unbelievable. I can't believe somebody wouldn't stop after hitting them with the car.

"One of my sons was involved in a hit-and-run, he was in hospital for three months. Luckily he was OK."

Philip (63) added: "The procession was nice in a way. For us this brings back memories of our son. It's horrible."

One woman, who wished not to be named, came to pay her respects outside the church, shortly before the funeral started.

She said: "I'm just here to support the family. It's so heartbreaking. If it happened to one of my children I know the community would come out. It's devastating."

Another woman, who also did not wish to be named, added: "I got the bus here from Failsworth. It's so sad, so devastating."

Four men have been arrested and are in remand in connection with the hit-and-run. Gabor Hegedus (38) was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, as well as conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, driving without a licence, failing to stop after a collision and failing to report the collision.

David Orsos (18), Janos Kalanyos (50), and Zoltan Peto (49) were charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

They will next appear at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on February 1.