NORTHERN Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam returned to Warrington last Saturday to dig the first sod on the grounds of the town's international peace centre.

Six years to the day since Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball were killed in an IRA bomb blast, Dr Mowlam arrived with Tim's parents, Colin and Wendy, at land earmarked for the project at Sankey Way.

There, they joined Johnathan Ball's father, Wilf, civic leaders and families in observing a minute's silence for the victims of terrorist violence.

The minister then paid tribute to the determination of all those that had helped make the £2.5 million project possible.

Said Dr Mowlam: "I want to express my admiration for those that have made this happen. Colin and Wendy have put in a lot of effort and determination over the last six years. In my job I often get people saying to me, 'Wouldn't it be good if we did this or that' - and it never happens. But this has happened, and you should all be proud today."

The Secretary of State praised the people of Warrington for rising to the challenge she made last March to raise £1 million in just three months. The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Trust met the target and went on, with matched funding from the NSPCC, to raise £2.5 million for a state-of-the art building.

She said: "This project means we will never forget the pain of parents affected by the troubles both here and in Ireland.

"It will give children a place to meet and make friends with each other. People from the different communities of northern and southern Ireland, and I am sure other countries as time goes on, will come here to talk and mix."

A computer suite, residential accommodation, library and outdoor arena will make the centre one of the most advanced facilities for young people in the country.

Colin Parry said: "This centre is a labour of love and it will make a fitting memorial for Tim, Johnathan and other victims of violence. Wendy and I believe that developing an interest in peace among young people is vital for the future."

Dr Mowlam added: "We have a tough three weeks ahead but I am confident we will move forward on the difficult subjects of decommissioning and the setting up of an assembly. I promise to be here in a year's time for the big party!"

With that, the irrepressible minister climbed into a JCB to commence digging work on the centre, which is scheduled to open on the next anniversary of the bombing.

After mingling with the crowd, Dr Mowlam then departed to witness the unveiling of the Children for Peace website at the town hall.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.