MEN from Over Peover who died in The First World War are being honoured by transparent silhouettes at St Lawrence’s Church in the village.

The eight silhouettes have taken their place in pews in the church to recognise the sacrifice of the men listed on the village’s war memorial.

The silhouettes have been placed to depict the shadows of soldiers left absent in the wake of the war, and can be viewed by the public until Armistice Day.

The installation was the idea of church treasurer Vicki Irlam, and she and fellow church members clubbed together to buy the silhouettes.

“I saw a story on the news about the silhouettes, and thought it was a lovely idea,” said Vicki.

“The silhouettes are seated in the pews, and are dotted around the church to create an impact.

“Members of the church have said how thought-provoking they are, and it would be lovely if people came to have a look.”

Alongside the silhouettes are glass plaques bearing the name of the soldier who died and his regiment.

The church is in the grounds of Peover Hall, and apart from services is open between 2pm and 4pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

Vicki said people could combine a visit to the hall with a visit to see the silhouettes.

Following the overwhelming public support for the There But Not There campaign, which saw ghostly figures of First World War ‘Tommies’ appear all over the UK, the Government has pledged £2 million to drive community support through the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund.

Community and faith groups can apply for Micro funds to host their own community-owned silhouette installations.

The silhouettes at St Lawrence’s are different in shape to the standing Tommy, and are designed to fit into seated spaces.

Alongside the community silhouette installations, the public are encouraged to support the project by buying their own 10-inch versions of the Tommies to remember their relatives.

They available from shop.therebutnotthere.org.uk/collections/all-products

Money raised from the sale of these figures, which are made by military veterans, will be distributed between The Royal Foundation, Walking With The Wounded, Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation and Project Equinox: Housing Veterans.