Around 130 people turned up to remember their loved ones when a Heanor church held a memorial service specially created to help families struggling with summertime grief.
The Reverend Lisa Shemilt, associate vicar at St Lawrence Church, in Market Place, led the service to bring people together so that they could remember friends or family members who have died in the past year.
The service, which took place on Sunday afternoon and lasted for about 40 minutes, was organised in conjunction with town funeral firm Gillotts Funeral Directors, which also supplied flowers and refreshments, including a specially baked memorial cake.
The event also ended with a dove release.
Anthony Topley, a partner in Gillotts, in Abbott Street, said: “Everyone who came along to the event said how uplifting it was and how spending time with other people in a similar situation was very helpful to them.
“This was the first time that this service has been held and it would be good to make it an annual event.
“Being bereaved is particularly difficult in summer when other people are outside enjoying the sun or going on holiday, and we’re sure that the event has helped to make a difference.”
ENDS
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