David Drysdale, deputy mayor of Castlereagh Borough Council, said afterwards: "It was a very sad and moving memorial service and for those that lost loved ones the pain will never heal."

Thirty years ago to the day the firebomb was detonated on a window of the hotel, filling the room inside with a massive fireball which claimed 12 lives and seriously injured many more, both physically and mentally.

The cross-community Irish Collie Club was having a function at the time and bore the brunt of the blast.

The name of the hotel has become synonymous with one of the most barbaric and tragic atrocities of the Troubles, but La Mon has also came to symbolise the dignity and courage of those who have lost loved ones.

Yesterday's private memorial event at Castlereagh council's offices was overseen by Mayor Myreve Chambers, with the address given by her chaplain the Rev David McIlveen of the Free Presbyterian Church.

The event began at 3pm with a processional hymn followed by prayers and scripture readings, including the 23rd Psalm and the Lord's Prayer.

Keyboard player Jeremy Doherty performed music specially commissioned by the council as a tribute to the victims and their families. The composition is known simply as La Mon.

Those present said it was especially moving and obviously still deeply painful for the families concerned when a solemn roll was called for each of the 12 people murdered. As each name was read out a family representative stepped forward and laid a floral tribute in their memory.

After the service, guests were invited to a buffet reception.