SCORES of people attended a special service to mark the fifth anniversary of the Novichok poisonings.

The ceremony, which was held at St Thomas's Church on Sunday morning (March 4), coincided with Salisbury’s Annual Charter Service, which celebrates the signing of the Salisbury Charter in 1227 and the links between Council, Church and the wider community.

During the service, city councillor Jeremy Nettle, Commander of Tidworth, Bulford and Netheravon Garrison Rupert Whitelegge, Andy Rhint-Tutt, who is the former president of Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and former Mayor of Amesbury, and Tracy Daszkiewicz, the former Director of Public Health and Safety in Wiltshire.

Ms Daszkiewicz played a leading role in the response to the poisoning.

Salisbury Mayor Tom Corbin gave a reading from Matthew 5.43-end.

Cllr Corbin added: "We should always try to give reasons to feel positive for the future as we remember our past, and Salisbury's recent history has certainly had some notable events.

"Five years ago this city faced large unknown challenge which will stay within our living memories.

"Our city will continue to move forwards, with our community being the driving force".

A member of St Thomas's read from Micah 4.1-5, and the hymns were 'Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided', 'Brother. sister, let me serve you', and Guide me, O thou great Redeemer'.

There was also a sermon from Stephen Lake, the Bishop of Salisbury.

Bishop Lake said: "The incident in Salisbury five years ago yards from here was given a name. The Salisbury Incident.

"Uncertainty at the time and understandable attempts not to bring fear into our people or to prejudge the cause gave this horror its own name.

"Incidents happen all the time, everywhere, but the Salisbury Incident was very particular. It had another less-spoken name. The Novichok attack by a hostile nation.

"Let's not beat about the bush anymore. This obscene attack, not just on Salisbury and its victims but open the rule of law and free society was an act of evil".

Th closing comments came from the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton.

You can watch the service back here.