AN Atherton family who are still trying to come to terms with the tragic loss of their five years-old niece in the Dunblane massacre have this week thanked local people for their support.

Vanessa Ross, 27, and her husband David, 30, are still numb with the shock of the killings at Dunblane Primary School of 16 youngsters and a teacher.

David, a window cleaner, and Vanessa, a school meals worker, have just returned from visiting David's brother and sister-in-law, Kenny and Pam, whose daughter Joanna Ross was one of the victims.

Vanessa said: "We will never come to terms with this horrible murder. We still can't believe it happened and the whole family are still totally shocked.

"We have been overwhelmed with the kindness of people everywhere, and there are so many people that it would be impossible to thank them individually, but we DO thank them all - family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues."

Donations can still be made to the Dunblane Help Fund at any branch of the Halifax of nationwide building societies, the Royal bank of Scotland, Sort Code 83 07 06, Account Number 00775382 or by credit card on the hotline telephone number 01786 446884.

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