47 poignant pictures as hundreds gather in Blackpool for Preston Davey vigil

Hundreds of people gathered in Blackpool town centre to mark the third anniversary of the death of Preston Davey.

Blackpool Tower was illuminated blue in memory of the toddler, who was 13 months old when he was murdered by his soon-to-be adopted dad Jamie Varley.

Those attending met in St John’s Square, where people observed a moment of reflection and prayers, and left teddies and flowers.

Join the call for a national public inquiry into the safeguarding failures that cost little Preston Davey his life by signing our petition here.

The vigil brought together serving foster carers and well-wishers from Blackpool and the Fylde coast, as well as people who travelled from as far as Sussex, Brighton, Durham and Scotland.

Among those remembering Preston were his birth father Gary Nolan and his family.

After prayers and a minute’s silence, those attending marched through the town to the Comedy Carpet, where they stood beneath Blackpool Tower.

Preston’s birth mum Sarah Davey arrived later due to car issues. She laid teddies on the Comedy Carpet and showed her daughter the outpouring of love for Preston.