Silent vigil in memory of Ben
The friends and family of a 14-year-old boy who died after he was hit by a car braved wet and windy weather to commemorate his life. More than 100 people observed a minute's silence for Ben Somers.
He died after he was knocked from his bike by a car while he rode near to Harlescott crossroads in Shrewsbury in October last year.
Last night people lit candles, laid flowers and fell silent at the spot where Ben was hit.
Officials closed a section of the road for a short time so the event, organised by word of mouth and on social networking site Facebook, could go ahead safely.
Ben's mother Mandy Somers, of Field Crescent, Harlescott, said: "I'm really pleased with the turnout because it's been over a year now and so many people are still thinking of Ben."
She added: "I think it's fantastic that the highways and police have worked with us to let this go ahead."
Later dozens of cars, many driven by members of Shropshire Cruise car club, took to the streets to do a lap in memory of Ben, who loved cars.
There were also collections for accident and emergency at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, where Ben was treated, and for a fund to buy a headstone for the youngster's grave.
Steph Skinner, of Harlescott who organised the event with boyfriend Mike Evans, his brother Daniel, friend Darren Ford and her mum and stepdad Maxine and Pete Humphries, said: "Ben was a really good friend of our family."
