A GRIEVING husband living through 'a horrible nightmare' since his wife's sudden death has called for people to help rid communities of crime.

Bill Mathewson's beloved Jemima - or Mima, as she was known - died, aged 75, after suffering chest pains following a stone-throw attack on their Stanley Road home in Morecambe.

Kevin Anthony Dean, 36, of Broad Square, Norris Green, Liverpool, has been charged with her manslaughter following an investigation.

Bill spoke this week of his deep gratitude to friends and relatives for their support through a period of utter despair - and urged local people to fight back and make the community 'a place where we are proud to raise our families'.

He says: "It could have been you. Wake up and be counted. These people are among you - they have no respect for anyone or anything and are willing to destroy, by various actions, the youth and the elderly.

"We can all help by naming names. Take your streets and environment back."

Bill fights back tears when talking about Mima, but following her funeral last week he was determined to express his thanks to people who have supported him.

His sister Freda has stayed with him since his nightmare began, and he says police family liaison officers Michelle Stephens and Michelle Barras have also helped bring him 'back from the edge of the abyss'.

His list of people to thank is endless, but Bill hopes they know who they are - relatives, emergency services, local whist clubs and Cumberland View Bowling Club, of which he and Mima were members.

He also picks out the Wildman family of Stanley Road who made a remembrance garden in front of his home.

"The person who took her life has taken mine as well, my happiness and my love," says Bill. "They have left me desolate. The many tributes paid by friends, relatives and acquaintances help but can never replace the love we had."

The couple married in March 1955 and often holidayed in Morecambe before settling in the resort three years ago and making a large circle of friends.

Anyone with information about the incident on April 29 should contact police on 01524-63333.