A COMMUNITY is in mourning after a helicopter crash claimed the lives of a couple and their baby boy.

Jim and Judith Lehany, of Catterick Garrison, were told the news that their daughter Jean Price, 33, her husband Mark, 39, and their 14-month-old son Samuel, had been killed.

The Hughes 500 aircraft they were travelling in came down in a field at Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, Kent, on Saturday morning.

The congregation of St Joan of Arc RC Church at Hipswell, Catterick Garrison, where Mrs Legany is an organist, learned of the deaths during Sunday Mass.

Fr Kevin Trehy, one of the parish priests, said: "Both Jim and Judith are very well known at the church and are involved in volunteers work here.

"They are well respected in the community and I know the tragedy will be very much felt here in Catterick Garrison. Our prayers go out to the couple and the rest of the victims' family."

Prayers were said for the family.

Mr and Mrs Price and their toddler son, from Chessington, Surrey, were the only three people on board the privately chartered helicopter when it crashed shortly after take-off from Biggin Hill airfield.

Emergency services were called to the scene within minutes after being alerted by a member of the public who had witnessed the crash. The helicopter, hired from Biggin Hill Helicopters, was due to return later that day after what was described as a 'local flight.'

The company, which has a range of helicopters for self-fly hire to experienced pilots, was unable to comment on the accident because it was still under investigation.

A post-mortem examination into the three deaths was due to be carried out yesterday.

Jean Price, formally of Colburn, attended Risedale Community College and Richmond School sixth form. Her father is a retired teacher.

The couple have another two children, a son and daughter.