PLANS to hold a memorial service to remember the 15 people, including four children, who drowned in a boat tragedy in Penmaenpool 50 years ago are taking shape.

The victims drowned after The Prince of Wales ferry hit the toll bridge as it was nearing the end of its pleasure trip from Barmouth on 22 July, 1966.

Thirty-nine people were on board the ferry for the eight-mile trip. As the skipper tried to manoeuvre the boat to the hotel jetty, the vessel was washed into the wooden toll bridge and sank.

The passengers were thrown into the fast-running incoming tide resulting in the tragic loss of life.

Dolgellau Town Council announced it would hold an official 50th Remembrance Service at 11.50am on 22 July 2016 to mark the tragedy.

At a recent meeting, the town council confirmed that a site meeting had taken place with representatives from Gwynedd and other local councils present.

The service is likely to take place near the signal box in Penmaenpool, a Snowdonia National Park nature observatory.

More details will be released closer to the date of the ceremony.