A MEMORIAL to the 33 people who lost their lives 47 years ago after the coach they were travelling in crashed off Dibbles Bridge, near Hebden, is due to be unveiled tomorrow (Friday) in their home town.

A party of 44 women and their male driver set out on a coach from Thornaby-on-Tees on May 27, 1975, on a mystery trip to the Yorkshire Dales.

Sadly, only 12 would return alive after the Bedford coach ran out of control as it made its way to Grassington, and ploughed through the parapet of Dibbles Bridge, landing on its fibreglass roof in the field, some 17ft below.

The crash became Britain’s worst road disaster and played a major part in the subsequent campaign to improve coach safety.

Now, on the 47th anniversary of the crash, a significant stone memorial reflecting the enormity of the disaster will be unveiled outside Thornaby Town Hall to honour the victims.

The stone, on which a memorial plaque has been set, was given by the Hanson quarry site, near to Dibbles Bridge. Many relatives of victims and others directly affected by the crash have been invited to attend the ceremony.