DOVES were released in tribute to people who have been killed in traffic accidents across Merseyside during a special service.

Organised by the national charity for road crash victims, RoadPeace, the event at St George's Hall in Liverpool was a chance to reflect on the lives lost, as well as the effects such tragedies have on families and friends.

The victims' names were read aloud during the event at St George's Hall in Liverpool which was attended by more than 200 people, including many families and friends and was part of a World Day of Remembrance.

After the service, five doves were released at the memorial to road crash victims in St John's Gardens to signify the five people who are killed on our country's roads each day.

The event was organised locally by Pauline Fielding from Wirral.

Mrs Fielding, a RoadPeace trustee, lost her son Andrew in 1994 at the age of 18 in a crash on A540 Chester High Road in Neston caused by a driver who fled the scene and has never been traced.

She said: "Crashes on our roads claim the lives of our loved ones and leave a trail of devastation in their wake.

"The victims are in our thoughts every day and each year we join together to honour their memory with the service of remembrance.

"It helps keep their memory alive and is a constant reminder to everyone that our roads are dangerous places where there is an unacceptably high death toll due to dangerous driving.

"We invited people to pay tribute to those who have been lost.

"We want people to spread the message that many of these deaths could have been prevented."

Among the dignitaries attending the commemoration were the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Anna Rothery, High Sheriff David Steer, Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy, Assistant Chief Constable Jon Roy and Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan.

The service was conducted by the Rector of Liverpool, the Revd Canon Dr Crispin Pailing and the address was given by Sir Mark Hedley, a retired High Court Judge.

Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Anna Rothery said: "When it comes to keeping people safe on our roads, we all have a part to play.

"It can be by slowing down and sticking to the speed limit, not using your phone at the wheel, not drink-driving and giving the road your full attention every time you drive.

"The service of remembrance offers us the chance to count the human cost of such carelessness and reaffirm our commitment to doing all we can to eradicate deaths on our roads.

"It is an honour for me to attend the event and illustrates how we as a city stand in solidarity with those who are left behind."

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: "Every death or serious injury on the roads of Merseyside is one too many.

"Each and every one brings suffering and misery to those who are involved, their families, friends, and the wider community.

"They also have a profound effect on those working within our emergency services who are called upon to provide help.

"This poignant service gives us the opportunity to remember all those who have tragically lost their lives and offer support to their loved ones, as RoadPeace does all year round.

"It also gives us the chance to say thanks to the blue light workers who go to their aid and reflect on what can be done to prevent further tragedies."

Sarah English from the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership said: "It is the privilege of the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership to attend today's service.

"As a partnership we support the work of RoadPeace and like them share the aim of a road system with zero fatalities. We take this opportunity on the World Day of Remembrance to offer our support to those affected.”

A lady who travelled from Cumbria in remembrance of her daughter who died in a road crash said: β€œIt was a beautiful ceremony and I was so grateful to release a dove as my daughter will be 21 this week.”