A SOLEMN crowd gathered at one of Bolton's newest stores to remember the worst tragedy in Bolton Wanderers' history.

It was 56 years to the day on Saturday (March 9, 2002) since the disaster at Burnden Park when 33 fans were crushed when crash barriers gave way during a sixth round FA Cup match against Stoke.

Ten years ago, a plaque commemorating those who died was unveiled at the Burnden Park ground by Nat Lofthouse, who was a member of the team on that fateful day.

When the club moved to its new home at the Reebok, the plaque was put into storage in the hope that a firm building on the Burnden site might allow it to be replaced on their building.

When the Big W store opened at the Manchester Road site, Wanderers officials approached them and asked for permission to put it on the wall in their foyer.

"The Big W has been exceptionally obliging and even let us choose the location," said Wanderers chief executive Des McBain.

On Saturday, a crowd of mainly elderly supporters, including some who had been present at the tragic match, gathered at the Big W as Nat Lofthouse, along with former Wanderers players Roy Hartle and Eddie Hopkinson, unveiled the plaque.

"Every time I come around here I can't help but remember the good times we had until that very tragic day," he said.

He recalled how, after the match was stopped, the players, waiting in the dressing room, not realising the extent of the disaster until bodies were carried past them on the way to the club's treatment room.

"I will never, ever forget," said Nat.

Watching the plaque unveiling was 73-year-old Ronald Warburton, of Montrose Avenue, Tonge Moor.

He was a 17-year-old at the fateful match and believes he was lucky to escape with his life.

His normal place to stand was the point on the embankment enclosure where the disaster took place, but that day he changed his habit.

"I normally stood on the embankment because the atmosphere there was fantastic," he said.

"But there was such a crowd that day that I decided to climb up to the back."

Alfred Ashworth, aged 78, of Seaford Road, Harwood, was standing on the opposite side of the ground, watching the crush unfold before his eyes.

"They were carrying people off with their arms dangling down by the sides of the stretcher, but I didn't realise anyone had died until the news came on later," he said.

Big W sales manager Graham Hawkes said the store was pleased to be able to help Wanderers.

"It is good to have something back up here. It does mean a lot to people," he said.

Although the plaque is now back at Burnden, the disaster has not been forgotten by the club at its new home.

A book of remembrance has been created bearing the names of the 33 people who died and is on display in the Reebok museum until next Saturday.

Modern day fans who have a relative who has died can also add their names to the book.