IT is difficult to believe that it has been a year since four children were killed in a house fire ­which still has a profound effect on the community.

Following an arson attack at their home in Jackson Street, Walkden, Demi Pearson, aged 15, and her siblings Brandon, aged eight, Lacie, aged seven, and Lia, aged three lost their lives.

Their mum, Michelle Pearson, was badly injured and is still in hospital. She was unable to attend their funeral in August.

Three people received lengthy prison sentences in connection with their deaths following a feud.

But those sentences will not bring back the four young lives that were cruelly taken a year ago.

Yesterday’s anniversary and tribute has been a moving but difficult one for family and friends to deal with, especially being so close to Christmas.

Everyone involved in the tragedy has been profoundly affected by it and is only by supporting each other that people can start to come to terms with what has happened.

The outpouring of love and support for the Pearson family has certainly helped them in what has been an unimaginable time for them.

Few people can begin to imagine the pain of having one child murdered but losing four is incomprehensible.

The Pearson family and their friends have been helped through this traumatic time and will continue to need support as the try to rebuild their lives.