MORE than 600 families and friends of organ donors from across the North West attended a remembrance service at Manchester Cathedral.

The service, held yesterday, saw around 120 organ donors represented, the majority of whom died between 2003 and 1998.

There were four readings at the service, including one by Dave Clarke, a renal transplant patient who received his new kidney in December 2001.

There was also a reading by Neil Parrott, consultant surgeon at Manchester Royal.

Those at the service heard music from the Smithills School senior brass band from Bolton, operatic soloist Jane Curtis and the Manchester Cathedral Voluntary Choir.

Dawn Lee, regional transplant co-ordinator for the North West said: "This is the first time we have held an event like this. It was a chance for people to come together and remember their loved ones who have given so much to others."