FAMILIES and friends of road crash victims are being invited to take part in a remembrance service on Portland.

The service at Easton Methodist Church, at 3pm on November 20, will form part of a national day of remembrance.

Minister Christopher Briggs decided to mark the day with a service after taking part in the funeral of two sisters who died in a car crash on the island.

Lucy and Catherine Breakwell were killed when their car hit a tree on Easton Lane last September.

Churches and schools across the world will be taking part in the remembrance day which was introduced by RoadPeace in 1993.

However, the service on Portland is currently the only one planned for Dorset.

Mr Briggs said: "This is the first time we are holding a service of remembrance for road victims.

"One thing that struck me is, over the years, many people have died in road crashes Dorset."

According to police statistics 37 people have died on Dorset's roads in the last year with a further 3,200 nationally.

Mr Briggs added: "The service provides the opportunity for road crash victims and their families to earth their grief and for public recognition which is so readily given to victims of other types of disaster."

On arrival visitors will have the opportunity to write the names and ages of road crash victims on oak leaves.

These names will then be read out as part of the service.

They will also be able to light a candle for a loved one. It is hoped that representatives from the emergency services will also attend.

Mr Briggs said: "It also acknowledges the work of all those involved in the aftermath of a road traffic accident."

He said the service was not only for the friends and family of road crash victims but also for survivors of road accidents and to 'recognise the pain caused on our roads'.

He added: "It's important for people when they need to grieve and mourn to feel that they can do something.

"The remembrance day is not only about trying to remember people but raising the profile of road crash victims."