SPONSORS are being sought to contribute towards the cost of plaques to be erected on both sides of the estuary commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Severn Bridge disaster.

The plans are being hatched by The Friends of Purton Hulks, the maritime history group set up to record and preserve the string of old vessels deliberately beached on the foreshore to beat the threat or erosion north of Sharpness.

Spokesman Paul Barnett said if the idea came to fruition it would be the first official recognition of the disaster.

He said: "It would be ideal to have a plaque on both sides of the river. The disaster is etched into the memories of many local people and the time is now right to record it for all time.

"Unfortunately we cannot carry out the work without sponsorship. We are hoping a plaque will be erected near Purton and another at Lydney pier."

The plaques would record details of the tragedy which happened on the night of October 25, 1960. This would include the names of the men who lost their lives. Surviving members of the families would be invited to special ceremonies to be held on both sides of the river.

The disaster unfolded on a foggy night when a group of tankers were seeking entry to Sharpness.

Two vessels, the Wastdale and the Arkendale , became locked together and were swept upstream, colliding with the Severn rail bridge.

The explosion which followed brought down two spans, cost five crewmen their lives, severed a gas main and disrupted school for dozens of youngesters who travelled daily from Berkeley and Sharpness to Lydney.

There were dramatic rescues as sailors from the two vessels were thrown into the Severn. Several spent hours in the water before being found.

Among them the late George Cooper of Buckshaft Road, Cinderford, survived for over four hours in the swirling tide before being rescued off Lydney. Well known Forest boxer Percy Simmonds, also of Cinderford, was less fortunate and lost his life.

Emergency measures included shipping in hundreds of portable gas cookers while special trains had to be put on to make the journey to Lydney via Gloucester for pupils who had used the river crossing to attend Lydney Grammar School.

•Anyone wanting more information about sponsorship can contact Mr Barnett on 07833 143231.