ACORNS will be planted in Wyre Forest this year as a living symbol of hope for those who have lost loved ones in road accidents.

They will be distributed when campaigners for safer driving remember victims at a special church service.

Firefighters, police, ambulance officers and the media will be joining relatives of victims at a RoadPeace service at St Ambrose Church, Kidderminster, at 6.30pm on Sunday, November 17.

The RoadPeace charity was set up 10 years ago to support the bereaved after fatal road accidents. RoadPeace organiser Peter Picken with 10 acorns signifying the loss of

10 lives on Britain's roads every day.

Canon Paul Brothwell and Father Douglas Lamb will lead the annual service in which relatives and friends are invited to write the names of victims on a symbolic oak leaf for remembrance in prayers.

And for the first time acorns will be handed out for planting as a memorial to those who lost their lives on the road.

Former Kidderminster Police superintendent and Wyre Forest RoadPeace representative Peter Picken said: "The service helps to raise awareness of the trauma experienced by families when they lose a child or close relative in a road accident and, hopefully, will influence the way in which people drive.

"It is only when you are touched by the tragedy of losing someone in a road crash or having someone seriously injured on our roads that the enormity of the pain, loss and suffering becomes apparent."

He added: "Victims are remembered when the names on oak leaves are read out at the service. We have decided to extend this theme by handing out acorns which, when planted, will be a permanent reminder of a loved one and an appropriate symbol of life."

Mr Picken pointed out an average of 10 people are killed on Britain's roads every day and added: "In recent years there have been reductions, but more must be done to avoid others suffering."

The RoadPeace service is open to anyone to attend. Those who would like a loved one remembered at the service should fill in the coupon and send it to RoadPeace Service, c/o Clive Joyce, editor, Shuttle/Times and News, Blackwell Street, Kidderminster DY10 2DY.