Gun, knife victims memorial service

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Newscaster Sir Trevor McDonald and sportswoman Dame Kelly Holmes are also expected to attend and video messages of support from footballer Rio Ferdinand and singer Leona Lewis will be played.

About 30 families who have lost loved ones to gun and knife crime in the years since 10-year-old Damilola's death are expected to be joined by hundreds of ordinary people concerned by the recent wave of violent deaths.

The service will be at London's Southwark Cathedral, led by the Dean of Southwark, Colin Slee. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will give an address.

A choir from Damilola's old primary school, Oliver Goldsmith, will sing during the 90-minute service.

Richard Taylor, Damilola's father, said: "This day is very significant. It is important because it is eight years since my son was murdered and his whole future was cruelly taken away.

"I am dedicating the day to all the young who have been lost in the following eight years since Damilola's death. I am also dedicating this day to all the brave families who will join me in reflecting on our loss during the service."

Mr Taylor was one of hundreds of people who marched to Hyde Park earlier this year for a rally against gun and knife crime.

He added: "These people became my friends when we marched together recently to join forces to campaign against the curse of the knife. It is no longer just our loss and our grief that is our bond. Through unity we can continue what we started with the People's March. We can, and we will see our local communities become better places for young people to grow up in. This is my pledge."

Damilola Taylor was born on December 7, 1989, in Nigeria. He moved to this country in 2000 and was killed on his way home from the local library just months later.