Prince grieves with Dunblane families

The Prince of Wales attended a memorial service in Dunblane yesterday for the 16 children and one teacher who were killed in the school massacre by gunman Thomas Hamilton in March this year.

Michael Forsyth, Secretary of State for Scotland and local MP, and Labour's George Robertson, who has lived in the town for 20 years, also attended the service, entitled "Out of Darkness into Light", which was organised by the families of the dead and injured. At one point in the service, relatives came forward to light a candle for each life lost on 13 March.

The sermon was delivered by the Very Rev Professor James Whyte. "Darkness cannot be allowed the last word," he said, adding that the candle was a good symbol for children because it was small yet bright and warm. But, he said: "The candle is also a symbol of fragility, vulnerability. It is easily snuffed out."