Service to remember IRA victims

Ten Protestant workmen were killed in 1976 Kingsmill massacre

A special service has been held to mark the 30th anniversary of an IRA massacre in County Armagh.

Ten Protestant workmen were shot dead at Kingsmills in January 1976. Two people survived the attack.

A service was held in Bessbrook town hall and, afterwards, friends and relatives of those who died laid a wreath at the memorial.

Ulster Unionist assembly member Danny Kennedy paid tribute to the courage and dignity of people who lost loved ones.

Mr Kennedy said that despite the passing of years, the event remained rooted in the memory of everyone in the area.

"Despite the profound and enduring sadness of the families involved, they have always avoided lapsing into bitterness or sectarianism, and have borne their grief and loss with great dignity," he said.

Sunday's service was organised by the Kingsmills Memorial Committee and the Archdeacon of Armagh, Raymond Hoey, gave an address.

On Thursday, a memorial service was held at the site of the atrocity.

Relatives of the men took part in the 30 minute service.

Bea Wharton, whose son Kenneth was among the victims, said it was important the anniversary of the murders was remembered.

Jane Lemmon, whose husband Joseph was murdered in the attack, said the victims' relatives would never forget what happened.

DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson and Willie Frazer, of the victims' group FAIR, also attended the service.