ANNIVERSARY commemorations for the victims of the 7 July bombings have brought the family of Marie Hartley, the Oswaldtwistle mum-of-two killed on the number 30 bus, "a step nearer to closure".

Seven of the 34-year-old's family, including her father John Targett, husband David, eldest son Liam, eight, and nephew Phelix, were standing in Tavistock Square at 9.45am last Friday to mark the anniversary of the moment the bomb ripped through the bus, killing 13 people.

Marie, of White Ash Lane, had been in London on business and had sent a text message to her family on the morning of the bombs to reassure them she was safe, before boarding the bus.

Her family observed the two minutes silence, left floral tributes in Tavistock Square Gardens and were taken into the headquarters of the British Medical Association, next to the site of the explosion, to see a sundial created in memory of the victims.

They also attended a ceremony at the Barbican Centre, where they were presented with a book of condolence created to remember all of the victims.

John Targett, 59, of Dill Hall Lane, Church, said: "The day left us emotionally and physically exhausted but we wouldn't have missed it for the world.

"In Tavistock Square we were able to meet members of the other victims' families, which was helpful as we are the only people on the face of the planet who can really understand how we all feel.

"When we went months ago to the memorial service in St Paul's I felt it had been hijacked for political purposes but the anniversary was really well thought out and was about the families.

"Liam took everything in quietly. He wanted to be there, because he knew all along that something tragic had happened to his mother and he wanted to see the place where she was. When we left Tavistock Square there were literally thousands of faces there and it was very touching to see them.

"We wanted to celebrate Marie's life, because she packed so much into her years. Marie wasn't one to mope, she was one of those to get on with things and we are trying to do that in her memory. The day brought us a step nearer to closure."