HERCULES TRAGEDY: DEVASTATED villagers have been seeking comfort and support at St Michael and All Angels Church in Lyneham in the wake of the tragedy.

The Rev Anthony Fletcher, who served for 22 years in the RAF, including as year at Lyneham, said: "At the moment we are lighting candles and saying prayers. I talk to people in the street and the RAF are doing their compassionate work.

"The RAF's compassionate work will include the administrators and the chaplains there and people like that will be caring for the families but, as part of the community.

"If people wanted to come and talk to me they are of course welcome to do so."

He said he had been saddened by the news of the accident and is willing to help any family that approaches him.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to everybody affected by this and we shall try to be with them and eventually we will all come through it.

"You weep for those who weep and mourn for those who mourn," he said.