CREWS from Sherborne Fire Station took part in a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of a "tragic" hospital fire that took the lives of 30 patients.
Firefighters and staff from the Station gathered with around 40 other people at a wreath-laying ceremony conducted by Reverend Martin Lee.
The event marked the 50th anniversary of a fire at Coldharbour Hospital in Sherborne. The blaze broke out in the early hours of July 5, 1972, and killed 30 patients at the hospital.
Sir Keith Joseph, then Secretary of State for Social Services, described the fire at the time as "a tragic accident".
Coldharbour Hospital housed around 230 patients with learning difficulties and such was the impact of the fire that it prompted a debate in the House of Commons.
Current crew members at the Sherborne Fire Station marked the occasion with members of the community as well as friends and family members of the victims.
A wreath was laid on behalf of the Fire and Rescue Service by SM Paul Redford, and Station Officer Ken Loader (retired), who was in attendance on the night of the fire.
On July 10, a memorial service was held during Evensong at Sherborne Abbey to commemorate and remember those who died.
A spokesperson for Sherborne Fire Station said: "Our thanks go to Sherborne Town Council and Sherborne Abbey for allowing us to pay our respects in this way.
"The victims of the Coldharbour tragedy must never be forgotten."
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