Special report by Lesley Richards: HUNDREDS of marchers turned out in a moving display of remembrance of the tragic day a mining community will never forget.

Survivors, families and friends robbed of loved ones, and ex-miners were joined by local and national politicians to pay tribute to the 10 men who lost their lives in the Golborne pit disaster which rocked the area 25 years ago.

And following a moving memorial service the packed congregation in Golborne Parish Church was asked to pray for and remember the people of Spain similarly suffering after 200 died in last week's terrorist railway bombings in Madrid.

The parade mustered at the Queen Anne pub behind the colliery banner, unfurled once again from its resting place at Leigh Miners' Welfare Institute, and which ex-miners fought to keep steady in the blustery wind.

Joined by the borough's three MPs, Andy Burnham (Leigh), Ian McCartney (Makerfield), and Neil Turner (Wigan), village clergy, councillors, and ex-officials, the procession, accompanied by rousing music from the Golborne Band, headed for St Thomas' Church, where a service was conducted by the Rector of Golborne, the Rev Robert Williams.

He was was assisted by the Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Rev David Jennings, the Rev Fr John Joyce of All Saints' RC Church, Bruce Deakin of Golborne Methodist Church and Dorothy Kenyon of Golborne Baptist Church.

Readings in church were given by parade organiser Eric Foster and Roy Jackson, former Lancs NUM secretary.

Mr Williams said: "I was amazed by the people who turned out and by the number touched by the event. I have only been here for three years, and I have always been conscious of the fact that the disaster left a mark on the community, but I wasn't aware until this week how much of a mark."

Mr Burnham said: "It was a sad and moving day. I know people who lost family in the tragedy and even though it was 25 years ago for many of those affected it still seems like yesterday.

"The parade was an impressive sight and the service was very moving. For families who lost loved ones the run up to the event was stressful but I am sure they were delighted by the support the anniversary was given.

"The Bishop spoke on how the tragedy had hit the village and how the people would never forget. He also asked people to remember those involved in the bombings in Madrid."

Cllr Peter Franzen said: "Though I don't have connection with the deceased or their families, I do recall my eldest daughter, Ingrid, then aged nine years, coming home from school on the Monday and telling me that her friend's dad had been killed the day before in the Golborne mine and so had another classmate's uncle.

"It was a disaster that will leave its mark on our community for generations to come."