THE anniversary of one of the most horrifying murders in Bolton has been marked in quiet reflection by victim Ian Foster's family.

Security guard Mr Foster was brutally gunned down on the steps of Farnworth Town Hall 10 years ago after collecting takings from an office.

The 26-year-old only son of former Bolton councillor Jack Foster was shot at point-blank range by robber Alan Steadman.

Steadman killed Mr Foster because he feared he might recognise him. The pair had both attended Harper Green High School.

Within hours of Mr Foster's death, following a tip-off, detectives arrested Steadman's accomplice, Rodney Smith, and four days later also had Steadman in custody.

In June, 1993 Steadman was convicted of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Then, in February 1994, Smith was found guilty of manslaughter and robbery and sentenced to 19 years in jail.

The murder devastated Mr Foster senior, who was chairman of planning and has since retired from the council, and his wife, Joyce.

It was also a tragedy for Mr Foster's wife, Jayne. The couple had been married for just over a year and were doing up their first house together. Yesterday, the Fosters spent the day laying flowers on the steps at Farnworth Town Hall and remembering their beloved Ian.

Jayne has found happiness again. She has remarried and now has a young son, but has never forgotten her first husband.

She even placed an advert in the Bolton Evening News stating: "You will always be with me, in my heart and in my thoughts."

Mr Foster said that it seemed only a short time since his son was killed.

"Time flies really," he said.

But he added that his son would have been pleased that Jayne has managed to rebuild her life with a new husband and son.