THE thousands of people who die on the nation's roads each year are to be remembered at a service in one of the region's cathedrals.

Relatives and friends of road victims will be joined by the men and women of the emergency services who attend the devastating scenes.

Yesterday, firefighters and ambulance crews gathered at the West Front of Ripon Cathedral, where the service will be held next Sunday afternoon.

They were drawing attention to the heartbreaking effects of road accidents in the region to highlight the annual World Day of Remembrance and Hope for Road Traffic Victims.

At next Sunday's 3pm service, candles will be lit and prayers will be said for all those who have lost their lives on the roads.

Known as the Oak Leaf service after the shape of the paper on which the names of the victims are written before the ritual, the ceremony will last for about an hour.

The remembrance event was launched ten years ago by the charity Road Peace.

During the service, a leading member, Dorothy Pearce, will be talking about their work.

Another speaker at the event will be Rachel Dudley, of the road accident charity Brake, which is dedicated to reducing death and injury through awareness campaigns

Relatives and friends are being encouraged to bring photographs, flowers or mementoes that will be placed on the altar steps while quiet music plays before the service.

Families will have the opportunity to talk with counsellors after the service and among those also taking part will be North Yorkshire coroner Geoff Fell.

The Dean of Ripon, the Very Reverend John Methuen, said anyone injured or bereaved as a result of travel in Great Britain was welcome to take part in the service.

"We need continually to remind ourselves of the importance of road safety and the devastating effect that road accidents have on families and the community," he said.

"This occasion will be of special concern to all those who have been bereaved, injured, or otherwise affected by road accidents and will be a very significant occasion."