A service to celebrate the lives of former police inspector Toby Day, his wife Samantha and daughter Genevieve is due to be held next week.

It is believed Mr Day stabbed his wife and six-year-old daughter before turning the knife on himself at their home in Robin Crescent, Melton, in December.

The couple's two elder children, Kimberley, 15, and Adam, 14, survived the attack, which happened days after Mr Day, 37, was sacked by the police for misconduct.

A service of thanksgiving to commemorate their lives will be held at All Saints Church, in Oakham, on Thursday.

Speaking ahead of the service, relatives said they were "drawing strength" from the community.

Well-wishers have raised almost £12,000 to help the surviving children with their education and give them some financial security as they enter adulthood.

A family statement issued ahead of the service said: "We are all overwhelmed by everything that is going on to raise money for Kimberley and Adam as well as the love, thoughts, prayers and hugs.

"The community's response has been deeply moving and we are drawing strength from it.

"It's wonderful to see how people have taken Kimberley and Adam to their hearts and we are just so grateful."

The funerals took place at St Peter and St Paul Church, in Market Overton, Rutland, last month.

Samantha, 38, grew up in the village, and the couple were married and their children christened at the same church.

Kimberley and Adam led the procession of relatives, including Samantha's parents, John and Janet, and Toby's parents, Richard and Heather, before the three were buried side-by-side in the churchyard.

Hundreds of Kimberley's and Adam's friends are expected to join family members at the service, which starts at 2pm led by the Rev Canon Lee Francis-Dehqani.

A collection will be shared between the air ambulance, The Samaritans, All Saints, Oakham, and St Peter and St Paul, Market Overton.

Donations can be made to the police federation fund account at HSBC, sort code 40-32-14, account number 91606077.

To donate to the Melton Times trust fund, send a cheque to 'Day Trust Fund Kimberley and Adam' to: Melton Times, 49 Nottingham Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1NT

The fund is being held at Melton Mowbray Building Society, account number NIC3354993DAY.