A beautiful celebration of life took place yesterday in the heart of Reading.

AB Walker funeral directors hosted their Annual Service of Remembrance on Sunday April 21 at Reading Minster in the town centre where dozens of people showed up to remember loved ones.

Speaking to Director Julian Walker, he said that the event is a wonderful way to show the company’s support for the families.

Reverend Joshua Wilson gave a reflection speech and there was a poem that was read to the attendees by funeral administrator Beverley Dimes.

Nichole Grace sang a song called ‘Hope,’ and at the end of the service performed a rendition of ‘Lean on Me’ which resulted in many people joining in and singing along to the tune.

Families from across Berkshire attended and the key part of the service was allowing everyone to light a candle in memory of their loved one.

Mr Walker said “That becomes a very emotional thing from both sides. As you ask the person who they are remembering and sometimes they can’t even get the names out.

“They often are very overcome with emotion. At the end, the altar part of the church is lit up by hundreds of candles that are all placed there usually for multiple people.”

Mr Walker said that after the ceremony, attendees sat down with a cup of tea and a slice of cake and those who wanted to stay and have a discussion about their feelings could do so easily.