ROMSEY'S best known landmark has been lit up in France’s national colours in memory of those massacred in the Paris terrorists attacks.

Church leaders decided to remember the fallen in last Friday’s shocking attacks on the French capital by lighting up the East End of Romsey Abbey in the country’s tricolour and holding special prayers for the 129 who died.

Romsey’s vicar, the Revd Canon Tim Sledge, pictured below, said it was a way of showing solidarity with the French and remembering those who died.

“Everyone has been shocked to the core by the barbaric acts of terror in Paris,” said Canon Tim Sledge.

Mr Sledge added: “Last week we sang music by French composers and kept silence for those who had died.

"But this week we wanted to join with many across the world in lighting up the Abbey in the colours of the French flag.

"We have been praying for those who have died and for our Christian and Muslim brothers and sisters – uniting with them in a deep desire for peace and a common desire to build communities not of hate and evil, but of love and compassion.”

Romsey’s mayor Mrs Dorothy Baverstock said she had been stunned by what had happened.

“I am devastated by this as I am sure the whole town is. It was terrible. What happened in Paris makes you appreciate how hard our police and our security forces work to keep us safe.

"I hope things will settle down and relatives of those who died can grieve. We can never understand how they feel because we have never experienced anything like this in Romsey and let’s hope we don’t,” said a shocked Mrs Baverstock, who is a member of Romsey Twinning Association.

Romsey is twinned with Paimpol in north-west France and regular exchange visits are held between the two towns.

Chairman of Romsey Twinning Association Mike Bull “we all stand together” in support of the French people.

“Our thoughts are with all our friends across the Channel in France. There is a feeling of affinity.

"What has happened shows that we are one people and we all stand together.

"There has been a massive outpouring of grief and solidarity which is pleasing to see. Some residents of Paimpol may have relatives living or working in Paris. We are going over to Paimpol next April."