NESTON businesses, councillors and the church have paid tribute to a couple who died in a helicopter crash in Australia yesterday (Monday, January 2).

Ron and Diane Hughes, 65 and 57, who both lived in the town, lost their lives following a crash involving two helicopters on the Gold Coast.

Ron was the founder of the shop, Concept Interiors, which was founded in February 1992 and is located on Neston High Street.

Diane's brother, Dave Boyce, wrote on Facebook: "For those who don’t know my sister and her husband were involved in the helicopter crash on the Gold Coast yesterday.

"We would also like to thank you all for the love and support we have received. We are truly humbled at this heartbreaking time."

Many members of the Neston community have paid their respects following the news.

READ > Wirral couple killed in Australian helicopter crash

Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Louise Gittins, said: “This is devastating news and my thoughts are with Ron and Diane’s family and friends at this sad time.

“Ron and Diane played an important part in our community and will be sorely missed.”

Member for Parkgate Ward, Cllr Martin Barker, said: “‘I am terribly saddened and shocked to hear of the death of Ron and his wife Diane.

"I have known Ron for many years both as a friend and local business owner. Ron was well known for his professional and friendly service, he will be sadly missed by all of us who knew him.

"My thoughts go out to their families at this difficult and sad time."

Marion Forshaw, Churchwarden on behalf of St Mary and St Helen Neston Parish Church, said: "Ron and Diane were a well-respected local couple who will be missed by the town.

"Our thoughts and prayers are for them and their family with our sincere condolences."

Lyndsey Pugh, manager of the Malt Shovel pub, said: "Deepest Sympathy goes out to Ron's family, especially his children, Philip and Faye.

"Whilst Ron wasn't a customer of ours, he was very well known in our little community and very much liked and will be sadly missed by a lot of people."

Kelly Luong, owner of Venus Nails, Neston, said: "Incredibly shocked and speechless about the news of Ron and Diane.

"Please allow us to send our deepest sympathy to the family and to the couple in this tragic event.

"Very sad news for Neston and all of us."

Allister and Simpson Opticians, Neston, said: "We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic death of our lovely friend Ron and his wife Diane.

"Ron was such a hardworking genuine guy and someone who we could always rely on, we will miss him greatly.

"Our thoughts go out to both Ron and Diane's families at this very sad time."

Globe Readers React

Globe readers have also expressed their sadness following the tragic news.

Victoria Hatton-Moore said: "So sad and sorry to hear this. Thinking of Ron and Diane’s family, friends and the staff in the shop at this time, with much love xx"

Ann Nobes added: "So sad. Only recently had new blinds from them, been using this business for over 20 years."