NINE Goostrey Scouts and nine Goostrey Guides laid poppy crosses in tribute to the village’s fallen in the First World War at an oak tree planting on Saturday on the Bogbean in Main Road, Goostrey.

The 18 young men from Goostrey, Twemlow and Allostock who gave their lives in the war were honoured at the memorial service organised by the Goostrey branch of the Royal British Legion, which funded the event, together with Goostrey Parish Council.

A speech was made by Cllr Kenneth Morris, parish council chairman, in honour of the fallen and the 27 other local men who served and survived, and prayers were led by the vicar of St Luke’s Church, Reverend Heather Buckley, and the Minister of the Methodist Church, Reverend Yvonne Pearson.

Two of Goostrey’s oldest residents, Ted Partridge, secretary of the Goostrey Royal British Legion, and Margaret Kettle helped plant the oak tree and unveil the memorial plaque to the fallen.

Neil Memmott, Group Scout Leader, said: “I was proud so many Scouts and Guides participated in this unique event marking the centenary of the end of the First World War and to remember the 18 young men from Goostrey, Twemlow and Allostock who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our community and country.

“Many of our Scouts and Guides also attended the special Remembrance service at St Luke’s church on Sunday morning, and paraded to and from the church in honour of the fallen.

“I must thank Arthur Lamb, chairman of the Goostrey branch of the Royal British Legion and his colleagues for ensuring the centenary was well marked in Goostrey, and that the contribution of the soldiers from our community in the First World War will be remembered by our young people of today.”