TICKETS will be available from next week for a 60th anniversary memorial service to remember those who died in the 1953 floods tragedy at Felixstowe.

The service of remembrance to honour the 41 people who perished at the resort is being hosted by Felixstowe Salvation Army on February 2 at 7pm, with everyone to be seated by 6.30pm.

Ian Heeley, who looks after the flood memorial in Langer Road, and is organising a commemoration at the memorial and the special service with church officials, said around 240 people were expected to take part in the event at the Salvation Army Hall in Cobbold Road.

“I have allocated places for civic officials, including the mayor Mike Deacon and his wife Anne, the mayoress, councillors and others, and then there will be 200 places for members of the public,” he said.

“The tickets are free and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and I expect them to be snapped up very quickly indeed.

“It may be 60 years ago but feelings for some are still very raw – it was a tragic and terrible night that will never be forgotten by those who lost loved ones, those who survived and those involved in the rescues and clearing up afterwards.

“It had a huge impact on our town and I think it is very important that we remember those who were lost.”

The tickets will be available at the Salvation Army office in Cobbold Road during opening hours from Monday.

On January 31 at 3pm it is planned to have a commemoration at the flood memorial with the laying of floral tributes, followed by refreshments at St Edmunds Hall, Langer Road.

? Tell us your memories of the 1953 floods – write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or email starletters@archant.co.uk