Pembrokeshire author Greg Lewis has worked with a survivor of Aberfan on a book to mark the 50th anniversary of the disaster.

Greg, who is originally from New Hedges, wrote Aberfan with Gaynor Madgwick, who was a schoolgirl in Aberfan.

Gaynor was severely injured. Her brother, Carl, and sister, Marylyn, were in classrooms either side of her, and both died.

“The disaster on October 21, 1966, is one of the most tragic events in Welsh history,” said Greg. “A coal tip which had been piled high on a mountainside slid down on to the village, destroying homes and the local school. Gaynor was severely injured. Her brother, Carl, and sister, Marylyn, were in classrooms either side of her, and both died.”

The death toll was devastating. One hundred and forty-four people died, including 116 schoolchildren.

People from Pembrokeshire were among those who rushed to Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil, to help with the rescue operation.

“It was as if a generation had been wiped out in an instant,” added Greg. “And it was all the more tragic as it was the last day of term – a few hours later the children would not have been in the school.”

In Aberfan, which is published by Y Lolfa, Gaynor tells her own story and interviews people affected by that day - from the bereaved and the rescuers, to the police and royalty.

“It’s a personal story, but also one which gives a definitive account of the disaster,” Cardiff-based Greg added. “Gaynor’s journey to meet up with people who were there that day sees her explore the nature of courage and grief. She also considers her faith in God, which remains strong, but also that of those who lost their faith that day.”

The book includes a foreword by the Earl of Snowdon and an introduction by the veteran BBC broadcaster Vincent Kane.

Lord Snowdon visited Aberfan immediately after the disaster and was one of the first people to read a draft of the book. He described Gaynor’s journey as “a brave, heart-breaking and inspiring journey”.

Greg and Gaynor have also made a programme called Aberfan: A Survivor’s Journey which will be broadcast on BBC Radio Wales at 1.15 pm on October 20.