A MEMORIAL fund has been set up for the families of victims who perished in Morecambe Bay's cockling disaster.

The news was announced as hundreds of people united at Lancaster RC Cathedral to remember the 20 Chinese cockle pickers who drowned after being trapped by rising tides on February 5.

At Sunday's service photos of seven of the dead were displayed, bringing home the reality of the young people who died.

Figures from different faiths joined local leaders, members of the Chinese community and those involved in the rescue and recovery operation at the service.

Morecambe and Lunesdale MP Geraldine Smith gave a Bible reading after the opening hymn, which was followed by prayers for the dead in English and Chinese.

During the service, 20 single white flowers were laid on the altar in memory of each victim.

The North West Chinese Council has set up a memorial fund to help the victims' families.

To donate to the Morecambe Bay Chinese Victim Support Fund contact chairman Dr. Lee Kai Hung, at 449 Chester Road, Manchester M16 9HA, or phone 0161-873-7788 or email him on leekaihung@nwcc-uk.org.

In a letter to the city council, the Chinese Consulate has praised the people of Lancaster district for their support, and thanked them for all the sympathy and kindness expressed for thefamilies of the victims of the Cockling Tragedy.

Lancaster City Mayor Cllr John Gilbert said: "It was wonderful to see so many local people at the Memorial Service on Sunday, and I am sure many people will want to show their support to the fund."