Survivors of the Munich air disaster, which killed eight Manchester United football players, will fall silent this afternoon at a moving memorial service at the moment when disaster struck half a century ago.

They will be joined by millions of Manchester United fans, and football fans in general, to remember the tragedy at 3.04pm on February 6, 1958.

Twenty-three people, including eight of the Busby Babes, along with three club officials were killed when their plane crashed on an icy runway in Munich after a European Cup clash.

The tragedy robbed the world of an emerging team of footballing greats - but gained United a worldwide following it has retained to this day.

Sir Bobby Charlton will be among the survivors and fans at a special memorial service conducted by club chaplain the Rev John Boyers in the Manchester Suite at Old Trafford to coincide with the time of crash.

At the same time in Germany, hundreds of fans will gather for a memorial service at the site of the tragedy outside Munich.

The club will also be unveiling a free, permanent exhibition dedicated to the Busby Babes in the South Stand tunnel - to be renamed Munich Tunnel.

David Gill, United chief executive, says the club will deliver a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives.

There will also be a minute's silence at Wednesday's Wembley friendly between England and Switzerland.

Following the anniversary events, attention will turn to Sunday's Manchester derby during which United players will wear a one-off 1950s style kit, free from sponsorship and numbered 1-11. City are also planning to wear a special kit.