THE people of Warrington gathered on Bridge Street for a commemoration service today, Friday, to mark the 22nd anniversary of the IRA bombing in the town.

Three-year-old Johnathan Ball and 12-year-old Tim Parry tragically lost their lives in the 1993 attack, which led to the death of Bronwen Vickers and also injured 54 shoppers.

The Rev Stephen Kingsnorth, who represents Warrington Borough Ministry, commenced a short commemoration at 12.15pm before Tim's dad Colin spoke on behalf of victims and survivors.

Colin wished to thank those in attendance and praised the development of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, based at the Peace Centre in Great Sankey, which was founded by the parents of Tim and supported by Johnathan's parents after the heartbreaking deaths.

"It is nice for us that people don't forget that this is a special day - a special day for my family and for Johnathan Ball's family, and for Bronwen Vickers' family and for all those people who were variously injured," he said.

"In the 22 years since we went through that awful time, I am very proud to say that the charity we set up and named after the boys has now become a hugely well-established charity.

"That is down to us having had a succession of first class staff down the years - collectively we have built a fantastic charity and I think it brings great pride to this town and to the families because what we do is unique."

On the day the town stood to watch the dramatic solar eclipse, Colin spoke of the significance of the anniversary landing on the same date.

He added: "It struck me that on the day of an eclipse of the sun, it was also the day two other sons were eclipsed, Johnathan and Tim.

"Their light went down and out that day too - just as light went dark here, ironically on this of all days in Warrington, I found that quite symbolic."

The ceremony ended with a minute-long reflection and silence before flowers were laid down from those in attendance, including Mayor Cllr Ted Finnegan.

Shortly after, Tim's mum, Wendy, and grandson Arthur, collected water from the River of Life - a waterfall and sculpture that was erected at the site of the bombing in remembrance and as a symbol of hope for the future.

Wendy and the Mayor took the water in the vessel to the Peace Centre where it watered the Peace Tree that is 12-years-old.

The water carried from Bridge Street to the Peace Centre symbolises the ongoing work for peace and reconciliation and the watering coincides with the beginning of spring and the tree blossoming.

For further information visit foundation4peace.org.