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Memorial service for Alan Henning

The widow of murdered British aid worker Alan Henning has told a memorial service he was killed "for being what we should be, selfless and caring". The 47-year-old taxi driver was kidnapped in December by Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria and held captive before a video showing his beheading was released last month.

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Remembering a 'peaceful, selfless man'

A memorial service has been held for the murdered Salford aid-worker Alan Henning.

Family, friend and colleagues and came together at Eccles Parish church, where a memorial stone has been laid in his honour, as Tim Scott reports.

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Aid worker's widow: Alan was killed 'for being selfless'

Barbara Henning, the widow of Alan Henning, arrives at the memorial service. Credit: PA

The widow of murdered British aid worker Alan Henning has told a memorial service he was killed "for being what we should be, selfless and caring".

The 47-year-old taxi driver was kidnapped in December by Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria and held captive before a video showing his beheading was released last month.

A private memorial service at Eccles Parish Church in Greater Manchester for invited guests was held, and audio was relayed outside the church. It was decked with yellow ribbons like those well-wishers had sported when there was still hope he would be freed.

His widow Barbara and daughter Lucy walked in with Bethany and Michael Haines, the daughter and brother of David Haines from, Scone, Scotland, who was also murdered by IS.

Mrs Henning told the memorial: "We must never forget the reason why he went to Syria and the reason he was taken from us - for being what we all should be, selfless and caring."

She said her thoughts were with the families of John Foley, Steven Sotloff, David Haines and Peter Kassig, the other Westerners who were beheaded by IS.

She added: "I hope and pray that John Cantlie will be released and returned to his family so that they are spared the horror."

Family and friends wear yellow scarfs, ribbons or ties at the service Credit: PA Images

Mrs Henning asked for donations to be made to Hostage UK, a charity which helps the families of kidnap victims.

Many in attendance at the town centre church wore yellow ties or scarves as an echo of the yellow ribbons seen throughout Eccles.

Mr Henning's murder is thought to have been at the hands of "Jihadi John", an IS fighter who speaks with a London accent and who is apparently responsible for the four other hostage killings.

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