A BANNER that could be seen in the skies of Warrington on Friday was a tribute to a Cheshire couple who both died from coronavirus.

The message "You did it your way granny and grandad" was attached to a plane on Friday and pictures of it were posted on various social media pages.

A heartbroken family said the tribute was for Pat and Annie Cosnett, of Middlewich, Cheshire who died within three days of one another after contracting Covid-19.

Warrington Guardian: Pat and Annie Cosnett have both passed awayPat and Annie Cosnett have both passed away

The flyover, which could be seen from different parts of the North West after being arranged by grandson Pat, followed their funeral.

"They were both 73 but they were fitter than you and me put together," said granddaughter Katie Lee.

"Our world has been ripped apart. We have lost our king and queen.

Warrington Guardian: Tributes left behind at the couple's funeral on FridayTributes left behind at the couple's funeral on Friday

"They did everything for us. If anybody was in trouble they were the first to help people out and they never expected anything in return."

Pat went to hospital on April 6 with stomach pains and no symptoms of the coronavirus – but he tested positive for COVID-19, suffered kidney failure and was eventually put on a ventilator.

Annie followed her husband of 55 years into Leighton Hospital on April 10, and her family was told her situation was critical on April 20.

Warrington Guardian: The funeral took place on FridayThe funeral took place on Friday

"Within an hour on the ventilator she died," Katie said.

"She was the best advice giver, she was a friend as well as a gran. She was one in a million, granddad was too."

Pat continued to fight against the virus for another three days after his wife's death, until April 23.

"She waited for him," said Katie.

"They worked hard for everything in life. They never rowed or parted."

Pat and Annie got married in Northwich aged 18.

Warrington Guardian: Relatives pay their respectsRelatives pay their respects

The couple leave behind daughters Kay, Colleen and Ann, son Pat, 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Pat also leaves sister Rita, one year after the death of his other sister Colleen.

Daughter Kay added: "It has been devastating to be honest. We never got to say our last goodbyes to them.

"They were a devoted couple, you never saw one without the other and they loved their family."

Pat and Annie's lives were celebrated at a funeral in Sandbach.