Vigils to raise awareness and mark the third anniversary of the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit took place in three cities.

Manchester saw the highest profile event in the city centre’s main shopping area. Organisers outside Marks & Spencer held placards and wore T-shirts calling for Gilad Shalit’s release. Members of the public were invited to sign a petition for Shalit’s release. Hundreds of people took part, while Rebecca Ryan, star of Channel 4 drama Shameless, offered her support.

In London, 60 people gathered for a ceremony organised by youth movements FZY and BBYO with the Jewish Agency. Members of the wider Jewish community attended the multimedia presentation at the London Jewish Cultural Centre in Golders Green.

And in Liverpool over 100 people attended a service at Harold House.

Petitions from the three events will be sent to Gordon Brown and the president of the Red Cross.