A VIGIL for the victims of the Manchester bombing was held Trafford Town Hall at weekend.

The event was attended by representatives including the emergency services, councillors and the Mayor of Trafford Cllr Jonathan Coupe, Greater Manchester Police and various ethnic and community groups and organisations.

The vigil, which was also attended by hundreds of people wishing to pay their respects to those who were killed and the many who were seriously injured, was led by Rev Roger Sutton.

Cllr Coupe said: “While this was such a difficult event to attend, it was comforting to see at first hand the strength and togetherness demonstrated with everyone playing a part in showing Trafford stands together, never forgetting, always remembering and at the same time supporting each other as our local and wider community across this great city, start to heal the huge wound that this attack has left on individuals, families and communities.

"Our message is one of solidarity and a determination that we will not be cowed into changing our way of life; will not fear our fellow citizen because of their religion; will not stop doing the things we love; will not let terror prevent us from being a city that welcomes diversity, that challenges hate crime and comes together in solidarity and strength whenever tragedy comes amongst us.”

Cllr Dave Acton added: "It was a very moving vigil and it was good to see so many people at the event. I was struck by the fact the vigil was attended by so many different faith groups and from people and families across our Trafford communities. I was particularly heartened by the number of young people who came along.

"The vigil was an opportunity to send our condolences and to open our hearts to the families of people who died and were injured by this horrific bomb attack, and to send a strong message that love will always defeat hate."