'Proud day' for memorial to RUC

The window's design includes the RUC's insignia and the George Cross

A stained glass window honouring RUC officers killed or injured during the Troubles has been dedicated in a ceremony at St Anne's Cathedral.

Families were joined by dignitaries to remember their loved ones, and the work of the RUC George Cross Foundation.

Joan Beacom, whose son William was killed by the IRA, said it was a "proud day".

"You think of all the bad people running around, I'm very proud to have him for a son," she said.

A major theme of the memorial window is peace, and the design includes the force insignia and the George Cross.

Ann Ferguson, whose husband James was shot dead 25 years ago, says it serves as a permanent reminder to everyone of the sacrifices made by the RUC.

"It's important that those outside, the people who haven't been touched, are the people who need to be reminded, and hopefully the memorial will serve that purpose."

Joan Beacom's son William was killed by the IRA

Secretary of State Shaun Woodward said the ceremony was a "special opportunity to remember all the brave men and women who gave their lives to protect the community."

"This unique window gives us all a chance to reflect on the extraordinary sacrifice of these officers," he said.

Dean of Belfast, Houston McKelvey, told the congregation that the window should be a "focus of pilgrimage and prayer".

"I would suggest that your prayers to God will also include prayers of thankfulness for the overwhelming majority of the members of the RUC who down through the entire history of the force, regardless of provocation, insult or propaganda, upheld the law impartially and professionally."