Murdered PC Nicola Hughes to be laid to rest today Pc Hughes, who lived in the Oldham area with her mother, Susan, also leaves behind her father, Bryn, and younger brother, Sam. She joined Greater Manchester Police in 2009, because her family said she wanted to make a difference and was doing a job she loved and was happy with her life. Fellow officers described their young colleague as a "chatterbox," and someone always smiling, with a "bubbly, infectious personality." Fiona Bone, Dale Cregan and Nicola Hughes Officers from forces across the country have volunteered to cover the shifts of GMP colleagues so they can attend the 1pm service today. Entry to both funerals is by invitation only, but central Manchester is expected to come to a standstill as members of the public pay their respects when the cortege passes through the heart of the city centre along Deansgate. Police chiefs said they have been overwhelmed and heartened by the public support with more than 25,000 messages of condolence on its website, 19,000 via Facebook and another 1,000 on Twitter. Members of the public are also expected to gather to honour Pc Hughes on screens outside the Cathedral relaying the service inside. The funeral of Pc Bone will take place tomorrow morning at the Cathedral. Dale Cregan, 29, is currently on remand accused of the murder of both policewomen, two further murders and four attempted murders.