Marian's family attended the service

An outdoor memorial service was held for Marian Bates, a week to the day since she was shot dead at the family shop on Front Street in Arnold, Nottinghamshire.

The 64-year-old had been trying to shield her daughter from the gunman.

Local traders and dignitaries joined Mrs Bates' widower Victor, 64, and daughters Xanthe, 34, and Naomi, 36, at the service in Arnold Market Place which began at 1230 BST and ended with a two minutes silence.

Mr Bates, who was struck with a crowbar, and Xanthe both suffered facial injuries in the attack and still bore heavy bruising and stitches.

Public prayers

The ceremony took place just metres away from the Time Centre store where Mrs Bates was killed.

Her death has outraged and angered the local community, many of whom turned out to join the Bates family and local dignitaries in a service in her memory.

Marian Bates was killed by robbers on Tuesday

The Methodist minister for the town, the Reverend Rob Cotton lead the prayers.

He said: "Her story is of a lady who gave her life defending that of her daughter.

"Our hope is that Marian's story might inspire us all and that we might put other's lives before our own."

Many traders in Arnold closed their premises for the service.

Over 1,000 people have signed a book of condolence for Mrs Bates at Arnold Methodist Church, which is opposite the shop where she died.

Speaking before the service. the dead woman's husband, Victor, told Radio Nottingham he believed there were law and order problems in the city.

He said: "Why are we suffering this crime wave in Nottingham?

"Are the police incompetent? I don't think so.

"The lads on the ground know what needs to be done, it's the system they are using which is demoralising Notts police force.

"It's being hung out to dry and I think it's shameful they have been betrayed so much."