Service to mark Aberfan disaster

People affected by the Aberfan coal mining disaster have joined together for a special church service to remember those who died.

They remembered the 116 children and 28 adults who lost their lives when coal waste from a mine slid down a hill, burying a school and 18 houses.

Survivors and relatives of those who died laid wreaths at the village cemetery where many victims are buried.

The disaster happened 40 years ago on the morning of 21 October 1966.

Click here to learn more about the disaster

Many people helped the rescue effort

Children had only just arrived at school when a wall of muddy coal and rock came thundering down the hillside, burying Pantglas Junior School and several nearby houses.

It's thought heavy rain was partly to blame for the landslide.

Lots of people went to the rescue of those trapped but few survivors were found.

Armbands

This weekend Welsh football and rugby matches will also mark the anniversary of the tragedy.

There will be a minute's silence before all games and Cardiff City players will wear black armbands during Saturday's match against Norwich.