Church service remembers Philpott children

The fire caused the death of six of the Philpott children

A church service is taking place on Saturday to remember six children who died in a Derby house fire.

Duwayne, Jade, John, Jack, Jesse and Jayden Philpott died as a result of the blaze in Victory Road, Derby, a year ago to the day.

Their parents, Mick and Mairead Philpott, were jailed last month for manslaughter, along with their friend Paul Mosley.

The service starts at St George's Catholic Church at 18:30 BST and will be led by Father Alan Burbidge, who conducted the children's funerals.

"The children are to be well remembered but also we want to pray for everybody of the extended family and those still grieving, the older children and the grandparents," he said.

A community event was taking place in Osmaston Park in the afternoon to remember the children. White doves were to be released in their memory.

Friends, relatives and neighbours of the Philpott children took part in a walk from Skegness to Derby to remember the children and raise money for the Catch Me When I Fall fund, which supports sick children.

The group was due to be back in Derby in time to attend the Osmaston event.

News
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.