AROUND 1000 people took part in an emotional parade marking two years since a devastating explosion ripped through New Ferry.

'Into The Light', a procession of homemade lanterns crafted by local people at a series of workshops in recent weeks, took place on Monday night.

It began at the top of Bebington Road precinct and moved down to the event space on the bowling green on Circular Drive, Port Sunlight.

The event was hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips and included performances from Wirral Sign Choir Grove Street Primary and Church Drive Primary Choirs, poetry and more.

Mark Craig, chair of New Ferry Residents Association said: "The darkness is behind us and we are looking forward to the future.

"Lots of thanks to go everyone who helped to organise and who participated. Bebington Sovereign Majorettes, Grove Street School Choir, Church Drive School Choir, Wirral Sign Choir, New Ferry Community Land Trust, New Ferry Traders Association, New Ferry Ferry Residents Association, Port Sunlight Village Trust, Wirral Council's Neighbourhoods Team, Christopher Lee Power, and Roger Phillips who compered.

"We hope everyone enjoyed it."

Thirty-four people were injured, two seriously, in the blast on Saturday, March 25, 2017 which left debris scattered along the street and forced the evacuation of people from the surrounding area to a nearby church.

It left dozens of families homeless.

The explosion was heard across the region including in Liverpool and reportedly as far away as North Wales.

A row of shops, including a furniture store, charity shop funeral parlour and an upstairs dance studio were destroyed.

Wirral Council has worked with local residents to develop an appropriate parade to ensure no-one forgets what happened that day.

Prior to Monday night's parade, council leader Cllr Phil Davies said: "From immediately after the explosion Council staff have been closely involved in both helping those affected by the blast and working on rebuilding the town centre.

"This lantern parade will ensure that the people of New Ferry know they have not been forgotten and will hopefully serve as a reminder to all those farther afield that the town continues to need our help and support."

Earlier this year, public consultation took place for possible residential developments for the area and now the council have given the green light to invest £1.3m to help bring the new residential developments alive.

The plans include buying derelict and dilapidated properties in the area, which are currently in private ownership, and demolishing them.

Earlier this month, the council approved £200,000 to support residents and businesses affected by the explosion.