Memorial service held in London for NZ bombing victim

More than a hundred people gathered at a church in London early today NZ time to remember New Zealander Shelley Marie Mather who was killed in one of the London underground train bombings earlier this month.

Friends, family and people from the New Zealand High Commission in London attended the ceremony at St Pancras Church, Euston Rd, London, not far from where Ms Mather, 26, lost her life on a train when it exploded between King's Cross and Russell Square stations.

Her parents John Mather and Kathryn Gilkison travelled to London following the bombings and today both spoke at the memorial service.

New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Hunt was one of those who attended. "It was one of the most beautiful services I've been to," he told National Radio.

He said many wreaths had been laid, and music played and sung, including a song that had been written for Ms Mather's 21st birthday.

Mr Hunt said people at the service did not seem apprehensive about continuing to live in London following the bombings.

"That was one thing I didn't feel. I've said all along that London is a wonderful city -- it's a safe city.

"You can never count for the efforts of some people who are quite clearly deranged."

Ms Mather had been living and working in London for the last three years.

He parents plan to bring her body back to New Zealand later this week for a memorial service in Auckland.

A total of 56 people have so far been confirmed dead from the four London bombings on July 7.

- NZPA