THE Minister who has helped Frances and Thomas Mayor come to terms with the death of their beloved daughter-in-law Gwen, says the horrors of Dunblane should never be allowed to be forgotten.

As the nation joined together to mourn the first anniversary of the death of school teacher Gwen and 16 of her pupils at Dunblane Primary School, the Reverend Elizabeth Hodgkiss has been a guiding light for the couple. Churches and households across the country lit a candle on the day to remember the tragic event which happened on March 13, 1996.

Mrs Hodgkiss, minister at Central and Orchard Street Methodist Church, Great Harwood, has become a close friend of the couple - a friendship that has bonded over the past 12 months.

She said: "The first anniversary of a tragic event like this is always the hardest but we must never forget what happened in Dunblane.

"Frances and Tom are very strong people. I've spent a lot of time with them over the past year and hope I've helped them come through these troubled times."

Mrs Mayor paid tribute to her close friend for the support she has given her and her husband.

She said: "It is still very hard especially with the first anniversary here. It will take a long time to get over it but we have found strength in our faith. Elizabeth has been a pillar of strength and helped us pull through.

She added: "I would just like to thank everyone in the town for praying for us, for our son, grandchildren and the other families. We know their thoughts are with us and this is very important."

Blackburn Mayor, Coun Mary Leaver has sent a sympathy message to the Provost of Dunblane from fellow councillors and the people of the borough.

The message reads: "Our thoughts are with you on this the first anniversary of the tragedy at Dunblane Primary School."

A SERVICE to dedicate a rose garden of remembrance was held in Bold Venture Park, Darwen on Thursday.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.