The memory of those who have died in road accidents was today honoured at an emotional service of remembrance.

About 300 people attended this afternoon's service at Norwich's St John's Cathedral, held in recognition of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

The annual event gave people who have been bereaved through road crashes the chance to come together to share their pain and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

Liz Voysey, who helped organise the service and whose 19-year-old daughter Amy Upcraft was killed by a speeding van driver on the A47 in 2004, said: 'When you are bereaved by a road crash death, you are treated differently than any other victim of crime and you feel really isolated. This service is an opportunity for you to come together and know you are not alone. There are people here today who have lost a loved one in the last few weeks. There's a need to connect with other people and there's not the opportunity in other circumstances. It's such a moving service and the people who come appreciate it and get something from it and I send my love to all of them.'

As part of the event, organised by Mrs Voysey and Bridget Wall since 2006, a poignant display of photographs and personal details about the crash victims was created.

It was attended by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Jenny Lay, and sheriff Chris Higgins and included readings from Norfolk coroner William Armstrong, the Rt Rev Graham Smith, Dean of Norwich Cathedral, and former city councillor and Green Party coordinator for the eastern region Rupert Read.

Father James Walsh, Dean of St John's, said: 'This service does two things. It's a recognition of the deep feelings that are in many people's hearts that they are not normally able to express. Today they have the space and freedom to do that.

'Secondly, it's a chance to ask God to give his strength, support and comfort to all those people who, whether they are churchgoers or not, are reaching out for something beyond themselves.'