PUBLISHED: . 08:57 EST, 27 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:58 EST, 27 April 2012 . The Queen has opened a new primary school in a Welsh village devastated by a horrific mining disaster - marking a poignant return to the site still haunted by the tragedy after 46 years. A total of 144 people, including 116 children, lost their lives when a coal waste tip slid down a mountain, engulfing a school and surrounding houses in Aberfan in 1966. Today, in a show of her continuing support for the former mining community, Her Majesty unveiled a plaque at Ynysowen Community Primary School during the second and final day of her Diamond Jubilee visit to Wales. Continuing support: Left, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Aberfan a few days after the disaster in which 144 were killed. Right, Her Majesty returns to the South Wales village today to open a new primary school . Buried: Swarms of villagers and rescue workers surround Pantglas Junior School in Aberfan after a slag heap collapse engulfed it on October 21, 1966 . Since the disaster, which all but . wiped out an entire generation of the community’s schoolchildren, the . Queen has visited the village three times. During today's visit, a survivor of the disaster led the Queen on a tour of the new school.Jeff Edwards was aged eight when he became the last person to be pulled still alive from the rubble of his school. Almost half a century later he is the leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. He proudly showed the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh around Ynsyowen Community Primary School, which is said to symbolise a fresh generation of hope for the valley villagers. 'I asked the Queen to come here and open the new school because it represents a new generation of young people in the community,' Mr Edwards said today. 'The Queen has been very, very supportive of Aberfan and has been to the village four times. 'This school is a symbol of the regeneration of the community but today is also a time for us to look to the past.' He added: 'It is very emotional for all of us here today. We will be looking back on the friends we lost. 'It is also a day of celebration in that we are looking at the regeneration of the community.' He also described how surviving the devastation of the collapse as a child had shaped his outlook on life. 'It has given me that motivation and drive to come into public service and to make something for the people who were not so fortunate as myself,' he said. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by hundreds of children waving Union flags as they arrived at the eco-friendly school. Survivor: The Queen meets council leader Jeff Edwards, who, aged eight, was the last child to be rescued from the 1966 Aberfan disaster . Royal tribute: The Queen, pictured in 1966, lays a wreath to commemorate the victims of the Aberfan disaster . A generation all but wiped out: In one of the most famous images of the disaster site (left), a policeman carries survivor Susan Robertson from the wreckage. Right, the enormous coal waste heap after the collapse . The timber-framed building has a concave roof which collects water for flushing toilets at the school. Walls are insulated with recycled newspaper and solar panels heat the school's water. Earlier they had listened to a rousing musical rendition by a school samba band. The royal couple were then taken off to meet a number of other survivors of the disaster who were at the school today. Among them was David Davies, who was also aged eight and a pupil at the school when it was engulfed by coal waste tip. He went on to move away and become a solicitor but has since returned to the community. He met the Queen today and went on to speak about how his experience had coloured his life. 'I would say that it makes you take . stock and look at life in a way different to someone who has not . experienced it. You count your blessings,' he said. Later the royal couple separated briefly and spoke with guests individually. Fresh start: The Queen officially opens Ynysowen Community Primary School, which is said to symbolise new hope for the devastated valley community . The Duke of Edinburgh was offered a Welsh cake after being assured that they were delicious. 'No, thank you. I have just had my breakfast,' he was heard to reply. The Queen spoke briefly with Craig White, the architect responsible for designing the school. 'I explained that the school had an . upside-down roof which collects all the rain water and the children can . flush the toilets here using rain water. They really like that,' he . said. 'She said that we were never going to be short of water in Wales,' he added. Outside children waited in the rain with Union flags for an extra glimpse of the royal couple. Fionne Richards, five, was among many excited youngsters vigorously waving her flag at the Queen. 'She is very nice. I am happy she is here. She reminds me of my grandmother,' she said. After opening the school, where they were cheered by dozens of pupils and staff, the royal convoy headed eastward to Ebbw Vale. Hundreds turned out in the Welsh valleys town where Her Majesty attended two engagements. After . the royal couple met former steel workers and museum volunteers at a . newly-refurbished works general office and archives, they were the . guests of honour at a thanksgiving service in Christ Church. Scores of schoolchildren, braving the wind and rain, lined the streets waving Union and Welsh flags. Inside . more than 500 worshippers heard Geoff Waggett give thanks to God for . The Queen and her pivotal role as 'defender of the faith'. The monarch gave a speech to the gathered and excited congregation in a marquee at the side of the church. She said: 'Prince Philip and I are delighted to be here with you in Ebbw Vale this afternoon. 'You have been witnesses to many of the greatest changes in Wales of recent years. 'My family has been coming here since the height of the Valleys’ industrial might. 'After . the closure of the steelworks a decade ago, we have admired the . fortitude and resilience of Ebbw Vale as you have tackled the social and . economic struggle that followed. Horror: A boy's face is streaked with coal dust as he watches rescue workers toil their way through the long, dirty task of digging away colliery waste in 1966 . 'I have travelled the length and . breadth of this country during my 60 years as your Queen. Prince Philip . and I have shared many of the joys and sadnesses of the Welsh people in . that time and have always been struck by your sense of pride and your . undimmed optimism. 'That remarkable spirit of Wales has been very evident in this valley today.' After speaking to 101-year-old local . resident Maud Baskerville outside the church, the Queen delighted the . crowd as she went on a walkabout, taking time to stop and speak with . delighted townspeople. Royal fans either side of the barrier . on Church Street - and leaning out of windows in nearby homes - . excitedly took photos before the Queen left Ebbw Vale in her Bentley . state limousine. After a short car ride, the Queen and . the Duke took to the skies in the royal helicopter as they made their . way to their next appointment in Crickhowell. The royal visit will be . crowned with a Diamonds in the Park festival in Glanusk Park, a festival . of rural activities and sports. Yesterday, the monarch was given a rapturous welcome on the first leg of her Welsh tour. As . well as meeting Wales’ Grand Slam-winning rugby team at Margam Park, . she attended a service at Cardiff's Llandaff Cathedral before flying to . Cyfarthfa Castle - where they spoke with famous fashion designer Julien . MacDonald. Royalists expressed their delight at the visit, although republicans yesterday staged two peaceful protests calling for the end of the monarchy. Last night, South Wales Police said they had arrested two people although praised the public for their co-operation.
Royal couple meet survivors on their fourth visit to Aberfan, where in 1966 a mining waste heap collapsed and engulfed a school, killing 144 in total .
PUBLISHED: . 08:57 EST, 27 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:58 EST, 27 April 2012 . The Queen has opened a new primary school in a Welsh village devastated by a horrific mining disaster - marking a poignant return to the site still haunted by the tragedy after 46 years. A total of 144 people, including 116 children, lost their lives when a coal waste tip slid down a mountain, engulfing a school and surrounding houses in Aberfan in 1966. Today, in a show of her continuing support for the former mining community, Her Majesty unveiled a plaque at Ynysowen Community Primary School during the second and final day of her Diamond Jubilee visit to Wales. Continuing support: Left, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Aberfan a few days after the disaster in which 144 were killed. Right, Her Majesty returns to the South Wales village today to open a new primary school . Buried: Swarms of villagers and rescue workers surround Pantglas Junior School in Aberfan after a slag heap collapse engulfed it on October 21, 1966 . Since the disaster, which all but . wiped out an entire generation of the community’s schoolchildren, the . Queen has visited the village three times. During today's visit, a survivor of the disaster led the Queen on a tour of the new school.Jeff Edwards was aged eight when he became the last person to be pulled still alive from the rubble of his school. Almost half a century later he is the leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. He proudly showed the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh around Ynsyowen Community Primary School, which is said to symbolise a fresh generation of hope for the valley villagers. 'I asked the Queen to come here and open the new school because it represents a new generation of young people in the community,' Mr Edwards said today. 'The Queen has been very, very supportive of Aberfan and has been to the village four times. 'This school is a symbol of the regeneration of the community but today is also a time for us to look to the past.' He added: 'It is very emotional for all of us here today. We will be looking back on the friends we lost. 'It is also a day of celebration in that we are looking at the regeneration of the community.' He also described how surviving the devastation of the collapse as a child had shaped his outlook on life. 'It has given me that motivation and drive to come into public service and to make something for the people who were not so fortunate as myself,' he said. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by hundreds of children waving Union flags as they arrived at the eco-friendly school. Survivor: The Queen meets council leader Jeff Edwards, who, aged eight, was the last child to be rescued from the 1966 Aberfan disaster . Royal tribute: The Queen, pictured in 1966, lays a wreath to commemorate the victims of the Aberfan disaster . A generation all but wiped out: In one of the most famous images of the disaster site (left), a policeman carries survivor Susan Robertson from the wreckage. Right, the enormous coal waste heap after the collapse . The timber-framed building has a concave roof which collects water for flushing toilets at the school. Walls are insulated with recycled newspaper and solar panels heat the school's water. Earlier they had listened to a rousing musical rendition by a school samba band. The royal couple were then taken off to meet a number of other survivors of the disaster who were at the school today. Among them was David Davies, who was also aged eight and a pupil at the school when it was engulfed by coal waste tip. He went on to move away and become a solicitor but has since returned to the community. He met the Queen today and went on to speak about how his experience had coloured his life. 'I would say that it makes you take . stock and look at life in a way different to someone who has not . experienced it. You count your blessings,' he said. Later the royal couple separated briefly and spoke with guests individually. Fresh start: The Queen officially opens Ynysowen Community Primary School, which is said to symbolise new hope for the devastated valley community . The Duke of Edinburgh was offered a Welsh cake after being assured that they were delicious. 'No, thank you. I have just had my breakfast,' he was heard to reply. The Queen spoke briefly with Craig White, the architect responsible for designing the school. 'I explained that the school had an . upside-down roof which collects all the rain water and the children can . flush the toilets here using rain water. They really like that,' he . said. 'She said that we were never going to be short of water in Wales,' he added. Outside children waited in the rain with Union flags for an extra glimpse of the royal couple. Fionne Richards, five, was among many excited youngsters vigorously waving her flag at the Queen. 'She is very nice. I am happy she is here. She reminds me of my grandmother,' she said. After opening the school, where they were cheered by dozens of pupils and staff, the royal convoy headed eastward to Ebbw Vale. Hundreds turned out in the Welsh valleys town where Her Majesty attended two engagements. After . the royal couple met former steel workers and museum volunteers at a . newly-refurbished works general office and archives, they were the . guests of honour at a thanksgiving service in Christ Church. Scores of schoolchildren, braving the wind and rain, lined the streets waving Union and Welsh flags. Inside . more than 500 worshippers heard Geoff Waggett give thanks to God for . The Queen and her pivotal role as 'defender of the faith'. The monarch gave a speech to the gathered and excited congregation in a marquee at the side of the church. She said: 'Prince Philip and I are delighted to be here with you in Ebbw Vale this afternoon. 'You have been witnesses to many of the greatest changes in Wales of recent years. 'My family has been coming here since the height of the Valleys’ industrial might. 'After . the closure of the steelworks a decade ago, we have admired the . fortitude and resilience of Ebbw Vale as you have tackled the social and . economic struggle that followed. Horror: A boy's face is streaked with coal dust as he watches rescue workers toil their way through the long, dirty task of digging away colliery waste in 1966 . 'I have travelled the length and . breadth of this country during my 60 years as your Queen. Prince Philip . and I have shared many of the joys and sadnesses of the Welsh people in . that time and have always been struck by your sense of pride and your . undimmed optimism. 'That remarkable spirit of Wales has been very evident in this valley today.' After speaking to 101-year-old local . resident Maud Baskerville outside the church, the Queen delighted the . crowd as she went on a walkabout, taking time to stop and speak with . delighted townspeople. Royal fans either side of the barrier . on Church Street - and leaning out of windows in nearby homes - . excitedly took photos before the Queen left Ebbw Vale in her Bentley . state limousine. After a short car ride, the Queen and . the Duke took to the skies in the royal helicopter as they made their . way to their next appointment in Crickhowell. The royal visit will be . crowned with a Diamonds in the Park festival in Glanusk Park, a festival . of rural activities and sports. Yesterday, the monarch was given a rapturous welcome on the first leg of her Welsh tour. As . well as meeting Wales’ Grand Slam-winning rugby team at Margam Park, . she attended a service at Cardiff's Llandaff Cathedral before flying to . Cyfarthfa Castle - where they spoke with famous fashion designer Julien . MacDonald. Royalists expressed their delight at the visit, although republicans yesterday staged two peaceful protests calling for the end of the monarchy. Last night, South Wales Police said they had arrested two people although praised the public for their co-operation.
engulfing a school and surrounding houses in Aberfan in 1966. Today, in a show of her the wreckage. Right, the enormous coal waste heap taken off to meet a number of other survivors of