While the decade of relative post Good Friday Agreement peace is being marked this weekend, a memorial event is also being held to remember those who were killed and injured in the IRA bombing of Warrington town centre 15 years ago.

Tim Parry, 12, and Johnathan Ball, aged just three, died and 56 people were hurt in the explosions on 20 March 1993.

Town leaders, representatives of local organisations and the community will pay tribute to the victims with flowers being laid at the site, in what has been called a 'celebration of peace' by Warrington Borough Council.

When the bombs went off in Bridge Street, the area was packed with shoppers, many looking for Mother's Day gifts.

Johnathan had been in the town with his babysitter to buy a card for his mother.

Tim, an avid Everton fan, had been shopping for football shorts when he caught the full force of the blast. He died in hospital five days later.

In the aftermath of the bombing, the 12-year-old's father Colin set up a charity, the Foundation for Peace, which runs educational programs.

Known locally as the Peace Centre, it has also acted as a support service for people bereaved, injured or traumatized in trouble directly linked to Northern Ireland.

Mr Parry said: "There was absolutely no reason why a town such as Warrington should be hit by the IRA.

"Quite why they chose this town was beyond comprehension. I didn't know then and I still don't know now."

Despite being forced to deal with the tragedy of losing his son, Mr Parry said the bombing had a "significant" impact on the peace process in Northern Ireland.

(BMcC)