NEARLY 80 people died in accidents on roads in Thames Valley last year.

Now the family and friends who have lost a loved one have been invited to a special ceremony at a church – led by Thames Valley Police.

The service will pay a tribute to those who have died and give a nod to the emergency services who have been first at the scene in fatal accidents.

The Roads Policing Unit – a joint force between Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary – will be hosting the service in Thame on Sunday afternoon.

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It will be led by the force chaplain reverend Helen Arnold and the assistant lead chaplain Graham Choldcroft.

Sunday also marks the international United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims which takes place on the third Sunday in November every year.

The idea is to give acknowledgement of victims of road traffic crashes and their families who have been left behind.

Superintendent Simon Dodds, who is the head of the Roads Policing Unit for Thames Valley and Hampshire said: “In 2018, 58 people sadly lost their lives on the roads of Hampshire and 79 people died on the roads of Thames Valley.

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“It is so important to have this opportunity to support those affected by road death and to acknowledge the professionalism and courage demonstrated by the police, fire, ambulance and medical teams.

“These services will be truly special and we encourage anyone who has been affected by the loss of someone on our roads to join us.”

The service for people who have died in the Thames Valley area will take place at 2.30pm in the St Mary the Virgin Church on Church Road in Thame.

Anybody is welcome to attend – but police have asked those who want to go to call 01865 854584.

The Hampshire service will take place in Winchester.