MOURNERS gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember the victims of the Manchester Arena blast.

Some 22 candles were lit for each of those who died at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester at St Botolph’s Church, Colchester, on Tuesday night.

The church had been due to host a General Election hustings.

All five parliamentary election candidates for Colchester - Will Quince (Cons), Sir Bob Russell (Lib Dem), Tim Young (Lab), Mark Goacher (Green) and Robin Rennie (Christian Peoples Alliance) - took part.

A spokesperson for Seeking God’s Blessing for Colchester said: “There was a tremendous sense of humility, unity and reflection over the evening.

“Although we cannot ever say we experience the pain they’re going through, we can show them we love them and stand with them in their time of suffering."