REDDITCH stood "shoulder to shoulder" in solidarity with France on Saturday to pay tribute to those who died in the Nice terror attack.

Council leader Bill Hartnett, Mayor Joe Baker, MP Karen Lumley, Muhammad Rehman (Imam) from Redditch Central Mosque and councillors, gathered with residents near the bandstand on Church Green for a poignant Redditch Music Festival.

The event, which showcases a variety of musical talent, saw tricolour flags displayed near the stage, speeches and performances in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Bastille Day attack on Thursday, July 14.

Crowds gathered to listen to La Marseillaise, the national anthem of France, which was sang Simone Hughes with Betty Whittaker accompanying him on the violin.

Local band Him And Her performed a cover of R.E.M's Everybody Hurts paying tribute to the victims and the French nation.

"Today we are all French," Cllr Hartnett said.

"This demonstrates the unity and community spirit in Redditch. We were all horrified when we saw the images from Nice, so whatever our views opinions, race, religion we in Redditch stand shoulder to shoulder with the French nation. Vive la France."

On Friday, July 15 the French flag was flown at half-mast at Redditch Town Hall as a mark of solidarity.

Representatives from the Central Mosque joined Cllr Hartnett, Mayor Joe Baker and Mrs Lumley to condemn the attack.

Letters expressing sorrow were sent to Redditch's French twin town Auxerre and Gruchet-Le- Valasse, of which the town shares a friendship.

Mrs Lumley said: "First of all we all wanted to send a message to our French friends to say how sorry we were to hear of this brutal and cowardly attack.

"I am sure I speak for everyone in Redditch and surrounding villages when I say that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our friend across the channel in condemning these attacks in the strongest possible way.

"The people that perpetrate these assaults seek to destroy our way of life, and I say right now that the terrorists must never be allowed to win."

The attack in Nice killed 84 people and injured more than 200 others.