Special events are planned to mark the 60th anniversary of the Winter Hill air crash in Lancashire.

The accident, on February 27 1958, resulted in the death of 35 people on board the flight from Ronaldsway. Just seven people survived.

Since then, the rotary clubs of Douglas and Horwich - the town closest to the crash scene - have marked the anniversary by laying wreaths at the top of Winter Hill.

The Rotary Club of Douglas also organises a memorial service in Cooil y Ree Park, in St John’s, where there is a memorial plaque.

To mark the 60th anniversary, Douglas Rotary Club is co-ordinating a day trip on February 27 from the island to Horwich, flying to Liverpool.

Rotarian Howard Callow said: ’We currently have about 12 people booked to travel to Horwich but if anyone else would like to come along they would be very welcome. At Liverpool, Rotarians from Horwich will meet the party and transport everyone to the top of Winter Hill where an informal memorial service will take place.

’Following that, a lunch will be provided and then there will be a visit to a special exhibition at Horwich Heritage Centre.

’Those making the trip will have to pay their own airfare but otherwise there will be no costs involved.’

A memorial service will also take place in Cooil y Ree Park.

Mr Callow explained that the crash was described at the time as one of the ’blackest days’ the island had ever suffered. A memorial service at St George’s Church in 1958 was the BBC’s first live outside broadcast at a location beyond London.

Strong links have been forged between the two rotary clubs in response to the help that Horwich residents and rotarians gave to the emergency services as they fought their way through snow to reach the crash site.

The plane was carrying a party of island motor traders and colleagues visiting the Exide battery factory in Manchester.

Anyone interested in travelling with the Rotary party on February 27 should contact Howard Callow by email at [email protected] or call 851854.