Sheila and Campbell Welsh, aged 81 and 82, suffered catastrophic injuries after being hit by a Mini Cooper outside the carol service they had attended with friends in High Kelling, near Holt, on December 22, 2024.

The hearing at Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard the popular retired couple had been enjoying mulled wine and mince pies with fellow parishioners moments before the collision and were looking forward to spending Christmas with family and friends.

Instead, members of the congregation witnessed the horrifying aftermath as emergency services fought in vain to save them in the road outside the church.

Campbell and Sheila Welsh died crossing the road at High Kelling (Image: Change.org/family)

Their son Brian Welsh, a retired fire officer, paid tribute to his parents’ long and active lives, firmly rejecting any suggestion their deaths were intentional.

“My parents loved life and were making plans for the future,” he said. “They adored their family and were looking forward to Christmas.”

He stressed both parents were normally extremely careful road users, adding that Mrs Welsh had always insisted on teaching her grandchildren how to cross roads safely.

The couple had moved to Holt around 12 years earlier after downsizing from Welwyn Garden City, quickly becoming part of the local community.

Mr Welsh enjoyed a successful career with Cadbury Schweppes before taking early retirement and later working as a brewery director. A former rugby player and Army........

© Eastern Daily Press