MEMBERS of the community united last Thursday to remember the people who lost their lives in the Pretoria Pit Disaster 107 years ago.

Residents, including ex-miners, paid their respects at the commemoration service at the Memorial Stone on Broadway in Atherton from 2pm which included fitting music by hometown singer-songwriter Corrie Shelley.

Poetry was read by Andrea Finney with master of ceremonies Rev John Armstrong leading prayers and blessings.

Former Bolton West MP Julie Hilling also welcomed visitors to the service and thanked them for their attendance before closing the ceremony.

Wreathes were laid during the event as well.

The Pretoria Pit explosion on December 21, 1910, was the third worst mining disaster in British history, with 344 men and boys losing their lives.