THEY have been providing comfort to bereaved parents at the lowest point of their lives for more than two decades.

But now the women behind the annual candlelight service, which marked its 20th anniversary this month, at St Elphin's Church are looking for new young volunteers.

The group, who have all become close friends after losing a child, are hoping to hand over the reins ahead of turning 70 in the next few years.

Maureen Muadsley, who set up Compassionate Friends after her son Andrew died suddenly of a undiagnosed brain tumour in 1985 when he was aged 13, said there was no support before she formed the group.

The 68-year-old added: "I went to a group for bereaved parents in Frodsham and a couple of years later I decided it was time Warrington had one and have been doing it ever since.

"It's helped me a lot as well and we have made a lot of friends through a lot of tragedies.

"It can be very upsetting but at the same time it's very rewarding seeing people move on and doing something with their life and running the group has also kept my son's memory alive."

The group meet on the first Tuesday of every month at the retired ward clark's house in Westbrook to talk about their children and their feelings over a brew.

The candlelight service idea came from a parent who had seen similar at Alder Hey and since then 300 to 400 people have attended every year.

Each child's name is read out during the service before being written in a leather bound book which is kept in the church throughout the year.

Messages dedicated to loved ones are also written on butterflies and placed on a Christmas memory tree in the church.

Jacky Johnson, from Fearnhead, added: "Compassionate Friends was one of the first places I went after I lost my son Tony 27 years ago in a car crash.

"There's nothing worse that can happen to you than losing a child but Maureen was a massive help and does so much for bereaved parents in the town.

"Every year the service has got bigger and bigger and Christmas doesn't start until after the service for many parents.

"A lot of people take a hell of a lot of comfort from it."

Anyone who would like to volunteer to be part of the group or for more information should call Maureen on 572232.