FAMILIES of murder victims remembered their loved ones at a memorial service this weekend.
The ceremony - the first of its kind on Tyneside - took place in St Mary's RC Cathedral, Clayton Street, Newcastle. In a poignant silent tribute, relatives release a black balloon for each victim.
The event was organised by the North-East Victims Association and Monsignor Kevin Nichols, of the Hexham and Newcastle diocese.
Poems and prayers were read out and families sang hymns and favourite songs.
June Richardson, whose four-year-old son, Martin Brown, was strangled by Mary Bell in 1968, was among those taking part.
Mrs Richardson, a member of the association, said: "I hope that one day I will meet Martin in paradise.
"We hope this service will give everyone involved the strength to carry on."
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