RELATIVES of North-East murder victims will today release black balloons at a memorial service.

The ceremony - the first of its kind on Tyneside - takes place in St Mary's RC Cathedral, in Clayton Street, Newcastle. Organised by the North-East Victims Association, it is open to relatives of murder victims and anyone who wants to support them.

June Richardson, whose four-year-old son, Martin Brown, was strangled by Mary Bell in 1968, will be taking part.

"A lot of victims' families feel their loved ones are forgotten," she said.

"This will give them a chance to remember their loved ones and see they are not alone in their grief.

"As for myself, it helps me to forget the murder and remember Martin in a different way."

Poems and prayers will be recited and hymns and favourite songs sung at the service, which is open to all.

Mrs Richardson, of Gates-head, is on the association's committee. She travels the country helping parents of murdered children and gives the benefit of her experience in talks to the bereaved.

Relatives of crime victims will take photographs of their loved ones, and candles will be lit.

The black balloons will be released to mark the number of North-East victims represented in the ceremony.

Anyone who wants to take part is asked to meet at St Mary's at 10.30am for the 11am service.