A memorial service will remember the lives of those who died in the William Pit disaster.

On Tuesday, it will be 70 years since an explosion at the pit killed 104 people.

The 1947 disaster occurred when routine firing of explosive charges ignited methane, known as firedamp, and coal dust, causing a large explosion.

Only 14 were killed outright by the pit explosion and burn injuries – the rest succumbed to carbon monoxide created by the blast.

Three miners, lost underground, were found 20 hours later by rescuers, relatively unharmed by the experience.

The disaster made national news and help and support poured in from across the country.

An open air service will commemorate the dead as well as remembering those who died in other collieries in the area.

It will be held at the head of the former pit at North Shore from 5.30pm.

A memorial concert will also be held to mark the anniversary on Saturday, August 12. It takes place at the Miners' Club in Whitehaven with entertainment and a buffet from 7pm.

William Pit produced coal for 150 years before closing in 1954.