FROST sparkled on the statue of the miner as the 60th anniversary memorial service, for the victims of the 1957 Lindsay Pit Disaster, was conducted at the Kelty Community

Centre on Friday evening.

Over 100 people braved the cold to pay their respects to

the nine men, who lost their lives in an underground explosion, on December 14 1957.

Families of the victims and the rescuers were joined by ex-miners and members of the Kelty community at the service, conducted by the Rev. Hugh Steele, Fr. Dominic Clovis and Hank John.

Tributes were paid by Cllr Alex Campbell and Alex Rowley MSP, who reminded the gathering how important the collieries were in shaping communities in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area and Central Scotland in general.

Pat Rattray responded on behalf of the Retired Miners Association saying: "Thanks for turning out on this cold night to join with family and friends in remembering those who died and those who went back into danger to attempt rescues”.

Wreaths were laid at the miner’s statue on behalf of The

Retired Miners, Fife Council, Kelty Community Council, Alex Rowley, the Kelty Heritage Group, and members of the public.

The service opened with pipe music, played by Andrew Keating, and Kelty and Blairadam Concert Band accompanied the singing of Christmas carols.