THE miners who died in a Kelty pit disaster were remembered 61 years after the horrendous incident.

Last Friday marked the 61st anniversary of the disaster, which claimed the lives of nine men and injured 11 after an underground explosion at the Lindsay Colliery.

An exhibition to commemorate the tragic event was held in the build-up to the service at Kelty Community Centre.

Around 40 people turned out for the service and Claire Campbell, convener of the Memorial Committee, stressed the importance of remembering the village's history.

She said: "It was absolutely brilliant to have that many people turn out for it.

"We want to see as many as that next year, too. It was good to have local councillors be part of it and they laid individual wreaths which was a nice touch.

"It's important that the men who died are remembered in the community.

"I'd like to thank volunteers for helping with the service and the councillors for attending."

Six men received Queen's Commendations and certificates from the Carnegie Hero Trust for going back into the danger area to attempt rescues after the explosion on December 14, 1957.