Michael Ridley, 34, and 12-year-old son Sean, from Westleigh, near Wigan, died in hospital. An older son, Stephen, is still missing after the tragedy in Scotland.

Parishioners said the family have lived in Westleigh for several generations and are well known at the Anglican and Methodist churches in the area.

It is hoped that Stephen, 14, might have been able to swim to shore after the accident on Saturday night, but rescuers say his chances of having survived are slim.

'Sad thing'

Coastguard crews were alerted at about 2045 BST, after reports of the motorboat being upturned in Loch Ryan, near Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway.

On Sunday, several neighbours of the Ridleys attended the service at Westleigh Methodist Church.

Ken Sharples, who was due to take the service, said the family was uppermost in the congregation's thoughts.

He said: "It is a very sad thing to have happened and we will be praying for the family.

"Some of the congregation obviously know the family quite well going back many years."