THE funeral of London bus bomb victim Marie Hartley will take place today.

Scores of mourners are expected to fill St Mary's RC Church in Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle, to pay their last respects to Marie, who was killed by a terrorist suicide bomber who blew up the Number 30 bus she was travelling on.

There is to be a civic presence at the funeral with the Mayor, Councillor Janet Storey, attending, along with Consort Philip Storey and a full contingent of Oswaldtwistle councillors.

Marie, 34, lived with husband David and their two sons Liam, seven, and Adan, one, in White Ash Lane, Oswaldtwistle.

She was the studio manager of Hambledon Studios in Altham and had been in London on business with friend and colleague Camille Scott, of Preston, when the attack happened.

A talented and driven freehand artist, Marie worked her way up through the ranks at Hambledon Studios where she spent nearly 20 years and managed a team of 20 staff. The greetings card company's head office is in Kansas, America, and Marie spent three weeks there as part of her training.

Marie enjoyed music, art and reading and attended St Mary's Church, but she lived for her family, especially her husband and two young children.

A book of condolence has been opened at Hyndburn Funeral Services' chapel of rest for all those wanting to express their sympathy.

The funeral service is accepting donations to the NSPCC at its premises in Queens Road, Accrington.

As well as her husband and children, Marie leaves her parents John and Barbara Targett, brother Ian, parents-in-law Jack and Kath Hartley and brother and sisters-in-law John, Debbie and Angela.