FLOWERS say it all – the residents of Capel St Mary will not forget Joan Albert.Mrs Albert was found dead in the hallway of her Boydlands home in the village on December 16, 2001 and after a lengthy search, Simon Hall of Ipswich was charged in October last year with her murder.

FLOWERS say it all – the residents of Capel St Mary will not forget Joan Albert.

Mrs Albert was found dead in the hallway of her Boydlands home in the village on December 16, 2001 and after a lengthy search, Simon Hall of Ipswich was charged in October last year with her murder.

The trial of the 25-year-old from Hill House Road, who pleaded not guilty to Mrs Albert's murder, is due to start on February 10 at Norwich Crown Court.

The trial date is looming and the people of Capel have continued to mourn the loss of their 79 year-old neighbour. Flowers have been left near to the shopping precinct she used to visit.

They have kept memories of the frail pensioner in their hearts with floral tributes marking both the anniversary of her death and of the season which should have been festive.

Mrs Albert's death sent shockwaves around the village and the wider area, everyone stunned that the pensioner who lived alone with her pet dog, Rusty, had been killed.

She was found stabbed and dead in her nightclothes in the hall of her home by friends.

Hall, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of murdering Mrs Albert when he appeared at Norwich Crown Court on October 4, 2002. His family and friends were sat in the gallery during his 25 minute hearing before Judge David Mellor.

His trial is expected to involve up to 37 witnesses and last for four weeks.

Since his arrest and earlier court appearance, Hall has been remanded in custody.