Over 800 people died when waves ripped off the ferry's bow door

Dartford has been linked with the Estonian capital, Tallinn, since 1992, and held a service immediately after the accident, in which 852 people died.

The Estonian ambassador, and other representatives, will be at the service of remembrance on Saturday along with officials from the Foreign Office.

The service is being held at Holy Trinity Church, in the town.

Bow door

A candle will be lit for each person that died and arranged around a ship's anchor, reflecting the original memorial in Tallinn.

The Estonia ferry was sailing from Stockholm to Tallinn, when it sank after fierce waves ripped off the boat's bow door and water poured into the vehicle deck.

The official investigation said the bow door's locks were flawed, but a separate report commissioned by the ship's manufacturer concluded that the locks had been poorly maintained.

As part of Saturday's service, the Leigh City Technology College will provide an original drama piece about the disaster interspersed with poetry about the sea.

Council leader Kenneth Leadbeater said the town was honoured to be hosting the memorial service.

"It will give us the opportunity to empathise with our friends and offer them our support on this sombre occasion," he said.

Dartford signed a co-operation agreement in 1992 with Tallinn.