PEOPLE have gathered at a vigil in York city centre this evening to remember the victims of the Manchester atrocity.

James Lythgoe, organiser of the event in St Helen's Square, said it was an opportunity to stand in solidarity with a vigil taking place in Manchester at the same time.

A small crowd gathered to pay their respects and light candles for the families and communities affected by the terror attack.

Messages were also chalked onto the pavement, such as: "With love, support and solidarity,"  and "Hate will not win. We stand in solidarity."

James said he did not want to get used to such terrible things happening and he refused to get pulled in to the fear, anger and hatred that the people behind such attacks wanted to produce in people.

"The only response that we can make to these things happening in our ciountry and community is to come together like this in solidarity," he said.

"We are not going to be intimidated, we are not going to be afraid, we are not even going to be angry. We are going to be stronger."

He said he grew up in Greater Manchester and saw his first concert at the arena, and remembered lying down in the lobby afterwards, taking in the event, and his thoughts were of the young people who should have been able to dio that last night but could not.

York St John Students' Union are also holding another vigil outside the union building this evening.

The organisers wrote: "An attack on young people, on children is horrific to even begin to regard. By request of a number of YSJ students, York St John Students' Union will be holding a candle vigil tonight at 19:00 in front of YSJSU to remember the lives of 22 people who should've been having the happiest time of their lives.

"The young people of York stand together in solidarity with the young people of Manchester this evening. It is important to talk and it is important to remember."

Later in the week the city centre church of St Martin's Coney Street will hold a special service.

A vigil will begin at noon on Friday in the church, and vicar Rev Jane Nattrass said people are invited to gather for a short service, to light a candle and to pray for peace.