The 59th anniversary of the Winter Hill air disaster will be marked next week.

On February 27, 1958, 35 Manx residents lost their lives on the slopes of Winter Hill, near Horwich in Lancashire.

The Rotary Club of Douglas has arranged for a short, informal service of remembrance to be held at Cooil y Ree Park, St John’s.

As well as remembering those who lost their lives, their families and friends, thanks will also be given to the residents of Horwich - and in particular members of the Rotary Club of Horwich - who did so much to help in the rescue of survivors and provide comfort and support.

The service will be held at 10.30am on Monday, February 27, and the Rotary Club is inviting anyone who wishes to attend.

At the end of the service, those who have attended are invited to have refreshments at Green’s Cafe in St John’s courtesy of the proprietor Mr Nigel Kermode.

The Winter Hill air disaster remains the UK’s worst high ground aviation accident and occurred just days after the much better known Munich air crash involving the Manchester United football team.

Of the 42 people who took off from Ronaldsway Airport just seven were to survive the crash less than an hour later.

The plane was carrying a party of local motor traders and associated colleagues to visit the Exide battery factory in Manchester.

Particularly involved in the rescue attempts on that bleak and snowy hillside in 1958 were members of Horwich Rotary Club and every year since the crash a wreath has been laid by the club at the top of Winter Hill, a ceremony also attended by members of the Rotary Club of Douglas. On the 50th Anniversary of the crash in 2008, a memorial plaque was placed in Cooil y Ree Park in St John’s, and Douglas Rotary Club arranges a short service of remembrance there annually.

In addition, members of Douglas Rotary travel to Horwich every year in May and lay a wreath at the top of Winter Hill in conjunction with members from Horwich Rotary Club.