A single pew reserved for the relatives of victims of the Paddington rail disaster remained empty as the first remembrance service in Oxfordshire was held yesterday.

Hundreds of people, including civil dignitaries from across the county, joined the community of Didcot in St Peter's Church for the service, held simultaneously with ones in churches in Reading and Newbury.

There was no explanation why the victims' families had not attended the service at Didcot. Prayers were said for the dead, and for those still suffering in hospital, as well as for the emergency services who had faced moving the dead and helping the injured, and for the railway workers still working to serve Oxfordshire's commuters.

Church curate, the Rev Richard Hancock, said: "I think the turnout reflects how strongly people in Didcot and across Oxfordshire were affected."

Among the congregation were Lord Lieutenant, Hugo Brunner, High Sheriff Andrew Feilden, Mayor of Didcot Trevor Louch and Insp Ian Beckett, of Didcot police. The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Richard Harries, gave an address in which he acknowledged the anger felt by many affected by the crash.

He said: "The Paddington rail disaster has been very close to all of us. Even those who have not been directly affected have been haunted by what happened. It could have been us.

"I believe, in addition to the sadness and grief, there is today a great deal of anger around."

Mr Harries said after the service he believed more pressure groups, like the one being set up by survivor David Taylor, of Didcot, were necessary if any change was to be guaranteed. He said: "I do think it is very necessary that we have lots of pressure groups because the only change that comes is when you get pressure groups continuing to speak up over many years.

"I think the people of Didcot have been very affected by this crash. The church was full and there was a very reverent and sombre atmosphere." Clergy from other Didcot churches took their turn to say prayers. After a final blessing from the bishop, the church choir sang as every member of the congregation lit a candle as an act of remembrance for the dead.

Mr Brunner said afterwards: "It was a beautiful service which, I am sure, will have been a great blessing to everyone."

A collection was taken for the survivors and victims' relatives.

Story date: Monday 18 October

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