THE sisters of two murder victims are reaching out to other grieving families by forming a new branch of a national support group.

Judith Thompson and Sharon Caton became friends after Sharon's brother, Gary Walton, was murdered in the back garden of a Coundon pub exactly a year ago today.

As she struggled to come to terms with the nightmare of the killing, Sharon took comfort from sharing a common bond with Judith, whose sister Sharon Metcalfe died following a frenzied knife attack at her home in the same village, on October 1 1997.

The women meet once a week to talk and drink tea, knowing that they need never be ashamed of crying.

They have been in touch with the help organisation Support after Murder and Manslaughter, which has a branch on Teesside, and wants to start a group in the Bishop Auckland area.

Sharon said: "We will dedicate it as a memorial to Gary and Sharon and all the murder victims out there.

"Losing a loved one is not like grieving for a death from illness.

"You have had somebody snatched from you and the only people who truly understand are the people who have been through it.

"What happened to Gary is with me and the rest of his family every day. We can't work or lead normal lives. We will never forget him, and if we can use our experiences to help others it will be a tribute to him."

Four years after her sister's death, Judith is still haunted by the tragedy.

She said: "There are always things that bring it to your mind.

"It happens every day and you find yourself taking one step forward and another step back. It just doesn't go away.

"We both had tremendous support from the police, but that comes to an end when the killer's trial ends and it feels like another bereavement all over again"

Anyone who would like to talk to the women or would like to support their group, can telephone 0790 558 7055