THE Mayor of Dudley laid a wreath at the foot of the Duncan Edwards statue this afternoon (Tuesday) to mark the 60th anniversary of the tragic Munich air disaster.

Onlookers then took part in a minute’s applause in honour of the town's most famous footballing son at 3.04pm - the exact time of the crash which claimed the lives of eight Manchester United players, including the 21-year-old who died 15 days later from injuries sustained in the crash.

Councillor Dave Tyler, the Mayor of Dudley, said: “It was an honour to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Dudley for Duncan.

“His statue in the town centre ensures Dudley will never forget a person and a player, who even 60 years on, still means so much to so many.

“There was a good turnout and the minute’s applause really did make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It was a poignant tribute to a homegrown legend.”

A number of events are taking place in the town to mark the 60th anniversary of the tragedy.

An extended exhibition honouring the footballer is currently running at Dudley Archives in Tipton Road.

A book of remembrance – Dudley’s Tribute To Duncan - has been in place there for people to sign with their memories.

It has been taken to Munich by Andy Monk and Rose Cook-Monk, of the Duncan Edwards Foundation, where it will be presented to the minister of the Church of St Peter near Manchesterplatz, and go on public display.

The archives will also open especially from noon to 2pm on Sunday, February 18 as part of the commemorations.

It will tie in with a special service of remembrance on the same day at St Francis’s Church in Laurel Road, where there are two stained glass windows celebrating Duncan’s memory.

Around 80 Manchester United fans are expected to travel from the city on the day for the service and will visit the archives, as well as visiting Duncan’s grave at Queen’s Cross cemetery and stopping off at his statue in the town centre.

A special wall of remembrance is also being set up at the church, where Duncan’s funeral was held.

It will tell the story of his life, from his childhood to his days playing for the Red Devils and England, and is due to be unveiled next week.

On Wednesday, February 21, an event will take place at the archives from 7pm, looking back on Duncan's life and football career.

Special guests will be former Manchester United manager Tommy Docherty and ex-Red Devils goalkeeper Alex Stepney.

Drinks and light refreshments will be served on arrival.

People can follow the Munich commemorations by joining the public Facebook group 'And Then Came Munich – The Story of Duncan Edwards'.

Anyone looking for information about any of the events, or the work of the Duncan Edwards Foundation, can email Rose Cook-Monk on rosecook69@hotmail.co.uk

More information on the exhibition and events at the archives, including the launch of a book on Duncan and a special dinner in October, is available at http://duncanedwardstribute.com.