RoadPeace North East is holding its third annual service remembering those who have lost their lives on the road on Saturday 29 October 2016 at Durham Cathedral.

This year, the service will be attended by Channel 5’s Police Interceptors star PC Damien Stevens, who will be speaking at the Cathedral. Senior fire officers, paramedics and police officials from the region are also expected to be in attendance to pay their respects.

In 2015, 1,732 people died in road traffic collisions in the UK, and more than 22,000 suffered a serious injury.

David Robinson, Chairman of RoadPeace North East and a serious injury solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “It’s heartening to see so many people from the region coming together to pledge their support to families and friends of those who have died on the road.

“It’s also a chance to thank the men and women from our emergency services who do so much to protect road users, and to remind the government that continued investment is key to preventing road collisions,” continued David.

MPs from the North East including Chi Onwurah, Grahame Morris and Andy McDonald will also be joining with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones in crashes on the road.

RoadPeace North East has been campaigning to protect road users in the region for three and a half years, and is one of several charities and campaign groups who have arranged remembrance services.

John and Janet Thompson from Belmont, Durham, will be at the service to remember their son Jake, who died five years ago after he was struck by a lorry while using a pedestrian crossing.

John said: “Not a day goes by when we don’t think about Jake, and nothing will be the same without him. However, we take comfort from joining others who understand our loss and knowing that this service is a tribute to his legacy. We’d like to invite everyone from across the region to join us at Durham Cathedral to remember the lives of those lost on our roads.”

The service will take place in Durham Cathedral on Saturday 29 October 2016 at 10.30am. The service is designed for everyone, whether people have a faith or no faith. Everyone is welcome.