Family and friends of a Borehamwood hairdresser killed in the July 7 bomb attacks turned out to pay tribute to him at a memorial service on Saturday.

As the heavens opened and rain poured down, loved ones of Phil Beer piled into St Michael's Church, in Brook Road, for a service in memory of the 22-year-old from Masefield Avenue.

Phil was travelling to work with his best friend, Patrick Barnes, on the Piccadilly Line when a suicide bomber detonated a device between King's Cross and Russell Square.

The four bombs which exploded across the London transport network that day claimed the lives of 52 people and injured 700.

Saturday's service was organised by Phil's grandfather, Charlie Beer. On arrival, mourners were given order-of- service cards, headed with the simple quote, "Grief is the price we pay for love."

Conducting the ceremony, the Rev Richard Leslie said: "Even though three months have gone by since the terrible events of July 7, memories are still fresh and raw, and so to is the grief.

"So today we gather for the strength to carry on, and for some time to remember Phil and give thanks for all that he gave to us and all the happiness and joy he brought into our lives.

"We pray for ourselves and for each other as we mourn his passing from this life to the next. We believe there is hope even in the face of death and that Phil's journey has not come to an end.

"We shall never forget the horror of that day and will never understand why this happened or why his life was cut short. But the memories can never be taken away from us and will be part of us forever. So hold on as hard as you can to the memories of Phil and cherish them. May his love of life, dancing and partying be an example to us all.

"He is now in a place where there is no evil or hatred."

Accompanied by a pianist, playing Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven, family and friends stepped up to each light a candle placed on a table next to a dozen pink roses and a photograph of Phil.

Mr Leslie continued: "By lighting these candles, we seek to overcome darkness with light.

"Phil, may you go further along your journey in this world and may you rest in peace where grief and misery are banished and life is joyous. He is now among the stars and the planets and dancing with the flowers. We love you and will miss you."

As the vicar spoke his last words, the pianist played the song, Time to Say Goodbye, and the service was drawn to an end.