Memorial services remember Lofthouse Disaster victims

Churches in Outwood and Alverthorpe are holding special services today in remembrance of victims of the Lofthouse Colliery Disaster.

It is 40 years since seven miners died after the pit they were working in became flooded in a sudden rush of water.

The disaster in the West Yorkshire mine triggered a rescue operation but after six days, only one body was recovered.

A memorial service is taking place today at Outwood Parish church followed by a reunion for mineworkers and their families at the Ledger Lane Working Men's Club. The occasion is being joined by the Lofthouse 2000B brass band.

On Sunday, the Bishops of Wakefield and Pontefract will join a short service in the Lofthouse Memorial Garden, followed by a community service at St Paul's church, Alverthorpe.

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