Twenty years ago Warrington was rocked by an IRA bomb attack which killed two children in the town. March 20 marks 20 years since the 1993 bombings. Over the next week, we will be looking at what happened then through the eyes of some of the key people involved.

COLIN and Wendy Parry have been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Bradford for their work with the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace.

The couple set up the charity after the IRA bombing of Warrington in 1993, which killed their 12-year-old son Tim and three-year-old Johnathan Ball.

The foundation helps young people and adults tackle key issues affecting society such as racism, prejudice and violence within and between our communities as well as working with victims of political violence in the UK and overseas.

University chancellor, Imran Khan presented the honorary doctorates to the duo in recognition of their dedication to promoting the work of the foundation and tirelessly working towards better understanding and peaceful relations among people around the world.

Colin Parry said: “My wife Wendy and myself are absolutely delighted that the charity we founded and the work which we do in memory and honour of Tim and Johnathan, has been recognised by bestowing upon us the title of Honorary Doctor of the University of Bradford.

“For this accolade to be given to us both is even more special for us and our family and I feel sure that Tim would wear a beaming smile of pride for his parents’ hard work in his name.”

The Peace Centre on Peace Drive off Sankey Way is a unique living legacy and memorial to Tim and Johnathan.

Opened on March 20, 2000, the seventh anniversary of the bombing, the centre is a £3m state of the art, fully equipped learning centre where people develop a passion for peace through participating in educational programmes.

Professor Mark Cleary, vice-chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “It was with great pride that we were given this opportunity to honour these distinguished colleagues and their achievements are an impressive testament to their talents.”

For more information visit foundation4peace.org.