Brighton bomb victims commemorated

The blast on October 12, 1984 ripped through the Victorian hotel in the East Sussex resort during the Conservative Party conference, killing five people and seriously injuring 34.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was unharmed despite working on her conference speech inside the hotel at the time of the explosion just before 3am.

Her Cabinet colleague, Lord (Norman) Tebbit was rescued from the rubble alongside his wife Margaret, who was left paralysed.

Bomber Patrick Magee was given eight life sentences at the Old Bailey in 1986 for the attack, with a recommendation to serve a minimum of 35 years. He has since been released from prison under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

Lord Tebbit and his wife will be among the dignitaries attending a service at St Paul's Parish Church in West Street, Brighton, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives or were injured in the attack.

The church near the Grand Hotel was used in the aftermath of the bombing and bears a plaque on its wall listing the names of those who died.

Following the service, Lord Tebbit will unveil a memorial plaque during a ceremony inside the refurbished Grand Hotel.