SCHOOLCHILDREN from past and present gathered for a moving memorial service marking 30 years since seven people lost their lives in a tragic bus accident.

Tributes were paid to the six children and their teacher who came from Ramsey County Primary School at the service in St Michael's Church, Ramsey.

The party of schoolchildren had been on a trip in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, when their bus was in a collision with a lorry trailer at Stone Bridge, Earls Colne, on May 14, 1978.

Teacher Andrew Stubbs of Stones Green, Great Oakley, died along with the children from Little Oakley and Ramsey.

Wednesday evening's service at St Michael's Church was conducted by the Rev Erwin Lammens.

Pupils from Two Village Primary School - formerly Ramsey County Primary School - performed the hymn As You Journey On.

Year six pupil Hannah Brown, whose uncle, Adrian, was killed in the tragedy, also gave a reading.

Relatives of others killed in the crash also attended along with survivors who were among the 13 injured.

Seven candles were lit to represent the seven lives lost.

They were used to light each of the candles held by members of the congregation and were carried outside the church at the end of the service.

Candles were also placed in front of the six children's graves.