THERE were tears and hugs during an emotional service in memory of people who have died in road crashes.

About 300 people attended the multi-faith service at St Mary the Virgin Church, Thame, today, to pray for their loved ones, and light a candle in their memory.

As well as Christian readings, Pc Raja Yousaf, from Thames Valley Police, read verses from the Koran, while Andrew Battye, operational manager from South Central Ambulance Service, read a Sanskrit proverb.

The Right Rev John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford, led a Jewish prayer.

Representatives from the emergency services collected petals from worshippers which Bishop John sprinkled on the altar.

He told the congregation: “We pay a huge price for our freedom to travel and you have paid the highest price of all.”