TRIBUTES have poured in from across Gwent to mark the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster.

On October 21, 1966, tonnes of debris from the Merthyr Vale Colliery collapsed onto Pantglas Junior School and nearby homes, killing 116 children and 28 adults.

The disaster stands as one of the worst in Welsh and British history, with a whole generation wiped out within seconds.

First Minister Carwyn Jones stressed the “importance of remembrance” for the sake of future generations ahead of today’s national silence at 9.15am.

Mr Jones, who led a similar silence at the Senedd on Wednesday, said: “We will never forget the men, women and school children who tragically lost their lives in the Aberfan disaster 50 years ago.

“Remembrance is important so future generations understand what happened in Aberfan. It is a truly heart-breaking moment in our history and no-one who learns about the disaster can fail to be profoundly moved by it.”

Fellow Assembly members echoed the First Minister’s sentiments, including Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay.

“As someone born nearly a decade after the disaster, I will never be able to comprehend the full horror of what the community of Aberfan must have gone through, but I can say that I and my generation have been blessed to witness the stoicism and compassion of the families in the years since," he added.

Newport AM Jayne Bryant, who had a family member involved with the rescue operation on the day, said: “Hearing what he witnessed will stay with me forever. Although this will bring back those painful memories for many people, marking its anniversary demonstrates Wales’ unwavering commitment to remembering the innocent lives so devastatingly taken away.”

Newport were among others to pay tribute, with Newport West MP Paul Flynn also having close ties to the disaster.

“Memories are churned up by this anniversary,” said Mr Flynn.

“My brother was deeply affected by his work on the rescue. He told me that his kids had never had so many hugs after the sights he saw digging out the bodies of kids holding hands or in embraces."

A close friend of Mr Flynn’s, Beryl Williams, lost her son Keith during the disaster and was “transformed from a quiet housewife into a leader of the Aberfan community”, he added.

“The lessons of Aberfan brought far greater attention to the perils remaining from the coal industry," he said.

Monmouth MP David Davies said: “I just hope that those people in Aberfan that are alive that were involved in the tragedy get some form of closure and take some comfort from the support that everyone is giving them.”

Nick Thomas-Symonds, MP for Torfaen, said: "Looking back now, after half a century, at the unimaginable grief, we must ensure that when communities do experience such terrible events, all necessary support is given to them."

Gwent Police Chief Constable Jeff Farrar added: ”We will be holding a minute’s silence to remember the school children and adults who lost their lives in Aberfan.The disaster 50 years ago touched so many people, including the police officers who were called to help and it is a tragedy that will never be forgotten.”

Alun Cairns, speaking at Welsh questions on Wednesday, meanwhile, said: "I am sure the whole House will join me in marking the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan tragedy this Friday.

"That event shocked not just Wales but the whole of the country and the wider world. I am sure colleagues across the House will pay tribute to the bravery and strong community ties that pulled the people of Aberfan through the immediate aftermath and provided so much support in the months and years that followed."