FRIENDS from Trowbridge who were hit by shrapnel in the Manchester terror attack say they have overcome a massive hurdle after attending the tribute concert in the city on Sunday night.

Jack Scanlon and Zara Robson Rodriguez were in the foyer of Manchester Arena on Monday, May 22 after the Ariana Grande concert when a suicide bomber detonated a device, killing 22 people and leaving Mrs Robson-Rodriguez needing stitches from shrapnel which caused an inch-deep wound in her right leg.

After the traumatic night the pair, both 26, said they would think twice about ever going to a concert again, but they plucked up the courage to go to the One Love Manchester concert on Sunday night, organised by the 23-year-old singer, and said it was an uplifting experience of mixed emotions.

Mr Scanlon, a chef, of Stallard Street, said: “It was honestly so amazing and we’re really pleased we went.

“When we got the email to say we could go for free we were both a bit unsure about it as it was so soon after the attack, but our friends and family convinced us.

“Then after the London terror attack on Saturday night we were really nervous again, but we didn’t want to let it stop us.

“On the drive up we were both nervous and excited. So many of our favourite acts were on the line-up but it brought back strong emotions entering Manchester again.

“On the walk from the car to the ground we saw armed police everywhere. It was a bit surreal but made us feel a lot safer and we knew they were there for good reason.”

The concert, held at Old Trafford cricket ground and featuring a star-studded line-up of acts including Coldplay, Take That, Liam Gallagher and Ariana Grande herself, raised around £2million for those who were injured in the attack and their families.

“Miley Cyrus and Little Mix were both amazing but to be honest everyone was really great,” added Mr Scanlon.

“Coldplay put on a really good show and to see Ariana again was lovely – she still looked quite upset but she did such an incredible job organising the concert so quickly.

“We spoke to a few people who were also at the arena at the time of the attack and they couldn’t believe it when we told them about Zara’s leg getting hit.

“It feels like we overcame a massive hurdle by going to the concert – one we weren’t sure we would ever climb.

“It proves that music really can bring everyone together and that love will always conquer hate.”