Herald of Free Enterprise disaster

Stars will be used to provide a lasting legacy of memories to those who died in the Herald of Free Enterprise tragedy.

Family and friends of victims as well as anyone affected by the disaster can record their feelings on the stars as part of a service to mark the 25th anniversary of the disaster.

The Townsend Thoresen ferry capsized on March 6, 1987, moments after leaving the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, killing 193 people.

The pain and loss hit thousands of people in Dover and Kent - and, for many, still endures.

Rev David Ridley, from St Mary's Church, with stars that will be used during the anniversary service at the Herald Window.

The memorial service takes place at St Mary The Virgin Church, in Biggin Street, Dover, at 2.30pm on Tuesday, March 6.

Card stars provided by the Sailors’ Society will be distributed for people to record their tributes and thoughts.

They will be presented at the service and the messages will be transcribed into a book of remembrance that will stay at St Mary’s for visitors to sign.

The Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott, will preach and the mayor of Dover and other civic dignitaries will attend.

Afterwards, there will be the chance to cast flowers in memory from the Prince of Wales pier.

Proposals for a permanent outdoor memorial to the victims of the Free Enterprise tragedy are under way. It is hoped to establish a rose garden on Dover seafront.

For more details on the service, email Rev David Ridley, from St Mary's, by emailingdavidridley@btinternet.com.

• The Mercury is producing a tribute supplement to mark the 25th anniversary of the Free Enterprise disaster. If you would like to share your own story of the tragedy with Mercury readers, you can contactthe newsdeskon 01304 365526 or email us atmercurynews@thekmgroup.co.uk.