FAMILIES from across the North-East who have lost loved ones in road accidents came together for a special service at the weekend.

The service to commemorate the victims of road crashes from the region was held at Durham Cathedral on Saturday

Janet Thompson, from Belmont, Durham, whose 27-year-old son Jake died three years ago when he was struck by a lorry in Bristol was among those who attended.

She said: “There is not a day that goes by when we don’t think about Jake, and we will bear the loss that we feel for the rest of our lives.

“We do, however, take great comfort in joining with other families, sharing their stories and supporting each other.

“This is the first time the service has been held in Durham Cathedral, but we hope that it will be Jake’s legacy that will continue for many years to come.”

In 2012, there were 1,754 fatalities and 23,039 serious injuries caused on roads in the UK.

Services are held across the world every November to remember those who have lost their lives or been seriously injured on the road, as well as seeking to raise awareness of the dangers roads represent to all who use them.

The service at Durham was arranged by RoadPeace North East, a group dedicated to supporting road crash victims and their families as part of a global movement.

Chairman David Robinson, a serious injuries solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “It seems that every day there are reports of fatal and serious collisions on our region’s roads.

“Serious and fatal road collisions devastate families and communities. This service was a time of reflection for all who have been affected by road collisions in our region.”

RoadPeace North East was established 18 months ago and has been campaigning for better road safety in the region by forging partnerships with local emergency services, who also attended the service.

Mr Robinson said: “We are grateful for the support from our partners in the emergency services who are attending the service and who are positively engaging in a collaborative approach in respect of road safety.”