HUNDREDS of people gathered outside a South Lakeland church on Sunday to hold a vigil for the victims of the New Zealand terror attack.

Fifty people were killed and many more injured when a gunman opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday.

The vigil outside Kendal Parish Church was attended by 250 people, according to organiser Craig Russell. These included members of the local Muslim community as well as the Mayor of Kendal, Cllr Guy Tirvengadum.

Mr Russell, deputy coordinator of the Kendal Unity Festival (which aims to celebrate our similarities and tackle prejudice), said: "The idea [of the vigil] was that we needed to make sure that we united against the ideas of hatred and aggression towards minority communities in any society."

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron gave a speech at the event. As part of this he read a letter from his sister, who lives in New Zealand and knows people badly affected by the attacks.

The vigil also included a series of Māori chants, performed by the public and coordinated by professional singer Clare Elleray, who leads various choirs and singing groups in Kendal.

Cllr Tirvengadum said: "Our compassion is for those who have been killed and the families of those grieving and angered by their loss. We are working in South Lakeland to value all people and learn from and celebrate our differences. We will use understanding to drive out hatred and wisdom to build relationships and success."

Mr Russell added: "It [the vigil] was a great success. I was really pleased with the response of everyone coming together."