THE Polish community in Comet country has been paying their respects to those who died in a plane crash in western Russian on Saturday. The presidential jet, carrying many of Poland s political and military leaders, crashed into woodland as it attempte

THE Polish community in Comet country has been paying their respects to those who died in a plane crash in western Russian on Saturday.

The presidential jet, carrying many of Poland's political and military leaders, crashed into woodland as it attempted to land at a military airbase in thick fog.

Its passengers had been bound for a 70th anniversary memorial service for the 22,000 Poles massacred by Stalin's secret police in the Katyn Forest during World War II.

On Sunday members of the Polish over 60s Club from Hitchin, Letchworth GC and Baldock gathered at St Hugh of Lincoln Catholic Church, Letchworth GC, for a special service and to sign a book of remembrance.

Maria Mechelewska, 72, of Times Close, Hitchin, who is chairman of the club, said: "Last Sunday we held a Mass to pray for everyone who had lost their lives. This is a terrible tragedy for us with the loss of so many valuable people.

"Seventy years ago 22,000 Poles died at Katyn forest and it is so sad a tragedy has happened again."

Tomorrow evening (Thursday) at 7pm the Polish community in Stevenage will be holding a service of remembrance in the Communities Together Centre, Bedwell, which will be attended by Stevenage mayor Cllr Sue Myson and the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire the Rev Teddy Faure Walker, who combines his farming business at Sandon with being a non-stipendiary priest at the parish of all Saints in Pin Green, Stevenage.