A MEMORIAL plaque to the eight victims of an horrific house blaze in Birkby was dedicated last night.
The Bishop of Wakefield, the Right Rev Stephen Platten, conducted the ceremony at St John's Church in Birkby, only 200 yards from the house in Osborne Road where a family was wiped out in May 2002. The plaque has been mounted on a wall at the church.
The Bishop was joined by Mr Abdul Aziz Chishti and his son Muhammed Shafiq, who both escaped from the arson attack on their home.
The church, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, has hosted two memorial services to the fire victims, who included five little girls. The dedication service was led by the Rector, the Rev Martin Lowles.
The Bishop said: "This memorial will be a lasting reminder in this church and in this community of beautiful lives tragically taken from their family and friends."
Mr Chishti said: "I would like to thank all the people in Huddersfield for their continued support. They have shown us enormous sympathy which has helped us through this terrible ordeal."
The plaque was provided by the Birkby Family Appeal Fund, set up by the Examiner.
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