A MOVING service at the windswept summit of Winter Hill was held yesterday to remember the 35 people killed in a plane crash there 50 years ago.

The Manchester-bound Silver City Airways flight from the Isle of Man crashed on the moors above Horwich at 9.45am on February 27, 1958.

Only seven people survived the crash. They were pulled from the burning wreckage of the Bristol 170 Freighter when it hit the hillside, just 50ft below the summit, not far from the TV mast, in atrocious weather conditions following a navigational error.

The passengers were motor industry traders from the Isle of Man, travelling to the Exide Battery factory at Clifton Junction.

Yesterday, at 9.45am, the family members of some of those who lost their lives gathered close to the crash site. They were joined by representatives from Horwich and Douglas Rotary Clubs.

The Rev David Griffiths, Bury ecumenical ministry development adviser, led a brief service.

He said: "Today we recall the tragedy which claimed the lives of 35 representatives from the Manx motor trade.

"We also remember the courageous actions of the emergency services and people who rushed to the aid of the victims."

Horwich Rotary president Geoffrey Pearson and John Davies, vice president of Douglas Rotary Club, from the Isle of Man, then laid wreaths below a new plaque mounted on a gatepost to mark the 50th anniversary.

Howard Callow, from the Isle of Man, helped to organise the memorial. He lost his father in the crash when he was four years old.

He said: "I found the service very moving. It's been good to come here today and share my experiences with other family members."

A memorial service was then held at Holy Trinity Church in Chorley Old Road, led by the Rev Stephen Fletcher.

The congregation included air stewardess Jennifer Curtis, whose surname is now Fleet, family members of those who died, local councillors and officials, and residents of Horwich who remembered the day that horrified the town.

They joined together to say prayers and sing hymns.

Mr Fletcher said: "I hope this service will be a fitting remembrance to those who have loved and lost in this crash."

A short DVD presentation about the disaster was shown before 35 candles were lit, one for every person killed. They were arranged in two rows, representing the airport runway landing lights which should guide aircraft safely home.

Speaking after the service Mrs Fleet, who lives in Sale, Cheshire, said: "I thought it was a lovely service. I'm very glad I came. I found it inspiring, really.

"I always think about the crash on the anniversary and when I see Winter Hill it brings it back to me. I still have very strong memories. I don't think you can ever forget something like that."

A remembrance service was also held yesterday on the Isle of Man.

Plaque is unveiled

A PLAQUE to remember the air disaster's 35 victims was unveiled at Horwich Heritage Centre yesterday.

The Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Ken Denton, formally unveiled the memorial at the centre in Beaumont Lane, which also houses an exhibition of memorabilia from the crash, including a DVD made by Horwich Heritage. The exhibition is open for visitors on weekday afternoons, from 2pm to 4pm.

Cllr Barbara Ronson, Mayor of Bolton and Horwich councillor, said: "I am very proud of how Horwich has pulled together for this memorial. The service at the church and the event at the heritage centre have been excellent."