Loving tribute to war heroes

People in Lydgate have marked the village’s debt to its World War I heroes by erecting a special wall hanging in the parish hall.

Dedication of the hanging was the culmination of a project begun by resident Jennifer Greenwood.

Following discovery in St Anne’s Church tower of a forgotten memorial to 12 young men killed in the war, Jennifer and her “Love Lydgate” pals decided to create a tribute.

The group identified some of the soldiers’s living relatives, including Kath Hodges from Grotton, who attended Saturday’s event to mark the memory of her grandfather, Fred Kershaw.

Local artist Jill Harrison designed the hanging and textile artist Celia Gledsdale created the final piece which now takes pride of place in the hall.

The community turned out in force for the unveiling of the hanging, which was blessed by the Bishop of Middleton, the Rt Rev Mark Davies.