The Manchester United family have gathered to pay tribute to the fallen Busby Babes 50 years after the tragedy which claimed their lives.

Half-a-century to the minute since BEA Flight 609 ZU crashed on take-off from Munich Airport, the club marked the anniversary of their passing with a memorial service at Old Trafford.

There was a solemn atmosphere inside the stadium's Manchester Suite as survivors, football and civic dignitaries and invited guests arrived to pay their respects.

Outside on Matt Busby Way, where a clock stopped at 3.04pm commemorates the events of February 6th, 1958, thousands gathered to add their support and lay flowers.

Many wore modern-day shirts with the legend Munich 58 emblazoned on the back, while others sported the late Duncan Edwards' number six jersey.

The service was led by club chaplain the Reverend John Boyers and the order of service included a message from Prince Charles.

One of the early arrivals was former 'keeper Alex Stepney, a schoolboy of 15 at the time of the tragedy.

He said: "It's a sad day, but also a day to remember.

"I am very humble, I was 15 at the time and I remember how shocked everyone was. Little did I think or dream then that I would play for the team when they won the European Cup in 1968."

The tragedy happened as the United party returned to England from a 3-3 European Cup draw in Belgrade which had secured their passage to the semi-finals.

Eight United players died - Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, Liam "Billy" Whelan and, 15 days later, Duncan Edwards - as a result of the injuries they suffered in the crash.

Three members of the club's staff, eight journalists, two of the flight crew and two other passengers also died.

Busby and Charlton were among the injured, but eventually returned to spearhead a remarkable recovery which saw the club claim the league title and the European Cup within a decade.