A MEMORIAL service is to be held in Aberdeen for the victims of the North Sea helicopter crash.

The UK Oil and Gas Chaplaincy will conduct the service for the victims of the crash, which will be open to all, at Aberdeen’s Kirk of St Nicholas.

Industry chaplain the Rev Andrew Jolly said: “Following this dreadful tragedy the Chaplaincy has arranged for this service to take place in the Kirk of St Nicholas.

“The Kirk of St Nicholas has been where the industry has marked tragedies such as this in the past.

“It is a place of memories where the families, friends, colleagues and the wider community will be able to bring their own memories that day.

“In silence, they will be able to remember those who have perished.”

The Rev Jolly said that special seating arrangements would be made for the families of the 16 victims of the helicopter crash and for staff of the companies who employed them.

The Kirk in Aberdeen can accommodate more than 1,200 people, although loudspeakers may be used to allow others outside the Kirk to hear the memorial service.

The memorial service will be held from 2pm on Wednesday, April 15.