AROUND 250 people this morning attended a special open-air service outside Shirley Towers in memory of hero firefighters James Shears and Alan Bannon.

People of all ages and beliefs, including many who live in the block of flats, attended the twenty minute ceremony organised by The Salvation Army to pay their respects.

Major Ruth Hill led the service that was held against the backdrop of hundreds of floral tributes that have been left at the scene of Tuesday evening’s devastating fire.

She said: “This service is hopefully to show in some way our thanks, sympathy and great respect for the two fireman, James and Alan, who died this week, as someone said to me this week, ‘to save my life.’”

Sombre silence fell among those who had gathered on the grass verge to listen to “A Fireman’s Prayer” which was followed by a round of applause.

The assembled crowd joined in with the hymns ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’ and ‘Abide with Me’ before closing the service with the Lord’s Prayer.

Afterwards Major Hill said: “The community wants to show the firefighters’ families that they love them and want to thank them in any way they possibly can for giving the ultimate sacrifice of their husbands and fathers.”

She added that she hoped the service would help the community pull together and show people that they were not alone.

The Salvation Army Centre in Victor Street has become a focal point since the fire. It is being used as a rest centre and place for locals to drop in for tea or coffee and have a chat.