A POIGNANT tribute to the 344 people who lost their lives in the devastating Pretoria Pit disaster has been officially unveiled.

A replica mine cart on railway tracks found in the ruins of the colliery by ex-miner Tony Hogan now stands at the memorial to the men and boys who died on December 21 1910 as a result of an underground explosion.

On Saturday morning, more than 100 gathered at the Pretoria Pit memorial in Broadway, Atherton, for a special commemoration ceremony led by former Bolton West MP Julie Hilling, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham officially unveiling the tribute.

There were songs by Corrie Shelley, and Andrea Finney read out her poem Where's Mi Dad with speeches by Ms Hilling and Mr Burnham.

Some who were there had great uncles, great grandparents and other relatives who died in the disaster.

Wingates Band was also represented at the ceremony in honour of the members of their band who also perished.

On the Go Theatre also supported the event dressing in the costumes of the time.

Ms Hilling said: "It was emotional, miners built the society we have today and those 344 men and boys sacrificed their lives for that and it is important that we remember.

"This disaster was only a couple of generations ago. It was wonderful to see the level of support by those who came out for the ceremony. I think it is wonderful that the community continues to commemorate the lives of those who died."

"Andy Burnham, having been the MP for Leigh understands what mining meant to our community and he was there to unveil this tribute."

Mr Hogan, who has been instrumental in looking after the Pretoria Pit memorial approached Over Hulton Community Group chairman John Bullen.

The pair came up with the idea of using the tracks to add to the memorial.

They were taken to the blacksmith at the Astley Green Mining Museum who created a mine cart to go with the tracks.

The project cost £850 and was funded by the Over Hulton Community Group, which donated £550, Atherton Charity Cup donated £200 with £100 coming from Atherton Fornby Hall Trust.

Abbey Funerals have donated money to its upkeep.

Mr Bullen said: "There were more than 120 people who came to the ceremony at the memorial, including Andy Burnham.

"The speeches were excellent. We have a number of event to commemorate those who died and they are always well supported.

"It means a lot to local people to have a memorial like this.

"Tony has created this memorial garden, which has the names of the men and the boys who lost their four days before Christmas.

"It was emotional listening to Corrie Shelley and seeing those names on the plaque."