THE family of Johnathan Ball gathered on Saturday to pay tribute to the three-year-old killed on Bridge Street 20 years ago.

Brother Paul Comerford took part in the service, helping to release 20 doves as a mark of respect to bomb victims.

Aunty Pauline Owen, aged 54, of Duckworth Court, Padgate, was among relatives who met at the Parr Hall on Saturday morning.

She said: “Being here brings it all back to me, but we’ve come for Johnathan.

“I didn’t expect this many people to be here, but it’s really good.”

Mrs Owen also commended an exhibition in the Pyramid that chronicles events surrounding the terrorist attack.

Along with sister Kath Van Dusen and other family members, Mrs Owen then sat with dignitaries during the memorial ceremony.

Mrs Van Dusen, aged 56, of Welfield Street, Sankey Bridges, said: “I was really nervous but we just want to pay our respects to Johnathan.

“We’re here for him, and the family.”