VICTIMS of road accidents across North Yorkshire were remembered at a moving service held in Ripon Cathedral.

The annual Oak Leaf service, organised by the police chaplaincy with the help of cathedral staff, was a chance for families and friends to remember those who lost their lives on the county’s roads.

It is also seen as an opportunity for all the agencies who work together to reduce road deaths to meet and recognise their common cause.

“The annual service is a poignant event in our calendar,” said Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick.

“It allows the agencies involved with road safety to remember not only those who have died or suffered a serious injury, but also the loved ones who have lost someone and those who are caring for the victims.”

Chief Fire Officer Nigel Hutchinson added: “The Fire and Rescue Service sees first-hand the devastation caused by road traffic collisions.

“Every collision causes, at the very least, damage to property and upset to those concerned. All too often however, the consequences are far more severe with either serious injury or worse still, loss of life.

“The frequency with which fire crews are confronted with this scenario only serves to increase our resolve to make a difference through the road safety work that we undertake jointly with other emergency services and partners.”