A COMMUNITY was in mourning last night after a helicopter crash claimed the lives of a family.

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

The Hughes 500 aircraft they were travelling in came down in a field at Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, Kent, on Saturday. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

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

Father Kevin Trehy, one of two priests of the parish, said: "Both Jim and Judith are very well known at the church and are involved in volunteer 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."

Mr and Mrs Price and their 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 witnessed the crash.

The helicopter, hired from Biggin Hill Helicopters, was due to return to the airport later that day after what was described as a "local flight".

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

A post-mortem examination into the trio's deaths is due to be carried out today.

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

Mr and Mrs Lehany have two other children, a son and a daughter.