VICTIMS of road accidents and their families were brought together for a service of remembrance in Nelson.

Held at St John's with St Philip's Church in Bakerhouse Road, the service was conducted by Canon Stewart Hartley and dedicated to the parents of a little girl killed in a traffic accident.

It was arranged by RoadPeace, the national charity for traffic victims. The organisation provides emotional and practical support for casualties of road accidents.

RoadPeace also works to raise awareness and highlight the dangers on the road and this was given added meaning with news that two people had been seriously injured in a traffic accident in Colne on the day of the service, which is one of remembrance for all those killed on our roads.

Keith and Susan Sainsbury, of Cooper Street, Nelson, were in the congregation. Their four-year-old daughter Jo-Anne died after being knocked down in Scotland Road, Nelson.

Keith said: "The service went very well. This is the fourth we've had and it was the best attended."

Susan said: "I think it helps to raise people's awareness and believe the third Sunday of every November is now considered RoadPeace Day."

RoadPeace began the service eight years ago and there has since been a national day of remembrance each year in Britain. It is also held across Europe.

The Nelson service was attended by Pendle MP Gordon Prentice. He said: "Every year thousands are killed or maimed on our roads. We need to do all we can to make them safer.

"The RoadPeace Service of Remembrance is not only for people here in Pendle whose lives may have been devastated by a road accident, but also to raise awareness among the general public of the need for improved road safety.

The service was attended by civic dignitaries from surrounding authorities.