MORE than 1,000 people gathered in Lynmouth last Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of the flood tragedy that claimed the lives of 34 people.

To remember the victims, 34 white doves were released into the sky above the town, 34 scouts held a rope tied with 34 symbolic knots and a plain wooden cross was unveiled at Lyndale Bridge.

The day's events were all they were meant to be - simple acts of remembrance in honour of those who died in the Lynmouth flood disaster.

The heart of the picturesque coastal town was torn in two when raging floodwater engulfed everything before it on the night of August 15 1952.

Rows of cottages, businesses, roads and bridges were all destroyed when nine inches of rain fell on the region in 24 hours.

Although, Lynmouth and Barbrook were the worst hit, Exmoor as a whole was affected by the storms, with severe flooding in Exford, Dulverton and Porlock.

Just after the tragedy, the then Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Robert Mortimer, suggested that a plain wooden cross be erected Lynmouth to remember the dead.

Last week, some five decades later, his wishes became reality as a Union Jack was raised to reveal a beautifully carved oak cross.

The ceremony was attended by the Rev Mortimer's latter day successor, the current Bishop of Exeter the Rt Rev Michael Langrish.

He said the cross would act as a sign of honour for those who died in the flood, having earlier led two symbolic walks of witness around the town, following the path taken by the floodwater on that fateful night.

After the unveiling ceremony, the focus moved to a specially erected marquee for a commemorative service, led by the vicar of Lynmouth the Rev Philip Ringer.

The Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Eric Dancer, and his Somerset counterpart, Lady Elizabeth Gass, both did readings, while prayers were led by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth. the Rt Rev Christopher Budd.

The order of service stated: "The 50th anniversary of what has become known as the Lynmouth flood disaster affects the lives of us all, that is why we are here.

"We each have our own experiences of life and death and those whom we remember today are held uppermost in our hearts.

"Our personal reflections and our feelings of love, grief and respect need to be acknowledged before God in this service, as we embrace the theme of new hope through Resurrection.

"Those for whom this anniversary evokes deep personal memories need our prayers for support, consolation and the warm embrace of Christian love.

"Our presence here this afternoon is an expression of that support and our corporate prayer and praise a measure of how much we love on another and this place."

The service was attended by residents, survivors and rescue workers, with music provided by the band of the Devon Fire and Rescue Service.

Photos: Steve Guscott