Remembering M62 bus bomb victims

Lorraine Nield sheds a tear as a tree is planted in the memory of Ronnie Nield at Hartshead Moor Services yesterday as part of a memorial service for the victims of the 1974 M62 bus bombing.

The bomb claimed the lives of 12 people and injured 50 when it exploded close to the service area.

Soldiers, including a father, mother and their two sons died in the explosion, which was blamed on the IRA.

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The coach was carrying soldiers and their families from Manchester to Catterick. They had been on a weekend break. The explosion happened just after midnight and could be heard for several miles.

Mr Nield, who died last year, was the longest serving member of staff at Hartshead, having worked there for 36 years. He gave assistance to the victims of the bus bombing. Former colleagues and family paid tribute to him by planting a tree and installing a bench.

The tree and bench were provided by the charity Life for a Life Memorial Forests. Picture: Simon Hulme