THE PARISH priest leading the Shoreham memorial service today has said there will be no words to describe the enormity of the tragedy.

Reverend Ann Waizeneker said the service at St Mary De Haura Church marking the first anniversary of the Shoreham Airshow disaster would not be a time to preach.

She said she hoped attendees would find comfort in the rituals of a traditional church service as the community came together to remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Hundreds are expected to attend the multi-denominational service in Shoreham's Church Street from 11am with speakers set-up so that many more can gather outside to hear the service.

The event has been organised by Shoreham Churches Together and will include the lighting of 11 candles to remember the 11 men killed in the crash.

Rev Waizeneker said: “I don’t think you can express the enormity of it with words.

“I personally don’t think it is the right time to preach at people, it is the time for people to be together and come together.

“Everybody is in a different stage and you can’t answer everything.

“What I found last year was that people just wanted the comfort of a normal church service, they didn’t want a huge amount said about it, they just wanted to spend some time in prayer, listening to music, readings and hymns.”

Rev Waizenaker said the church had played an important role in providing comfort to the community in the year since the terrible events of August 22.

She said: “In the aftermath of the crash, people were flocking into churches to sign books of condolences and light candles.

“The church really is the only place where people can come and sit and be at peace and not be charged.

“I think it is symbolic that St Mary’s has a prominent position in Shoreham and I’m pleased that our doors have been open every day for people.”

Rev Waizenaker, who took up the post in Shoreham four years ago after moving from Chichester, said tragic events had different impacts on people’s faith.

She said: “When tragedy strikes, faith for some people is really important, their faith carries them through.

“But for some people it leads them to ask questions, they cannot see where God is.

“There’s not one rule for everybody but I think a lot of people have turned to the church and they have found some comfort, they have found something in the presence of God that is comforting.

“It is a part of Shoreham’s history whether we like it or not but Shoreham will deal with it, has dealt with it and will continue to do so.”