THOSE who fought and fell in the Great War are to be remembered permanently at Plymouth Road Memorial Garden in Redditch.

On Tuesday, October 21 a special oak tree will be planted at the memorial garden by local school children with assistance from Redditch Council officers.

They will then be joined by the leader of the council, council officials, the mayor and representatives of the Royal British Legion for a special ceremony. A plaque commemorating 100 years since the First World War will be fitted to a large tree trunk and fixed into the ground to mark where the Oak has been planted.

Council leader, Councillor Bill Hartnett, said: "It is only right and proper that at the passing of a century we permanently honour the fallen and those who fought bravely in the Great War. The people of Redditch played their part and suffered losses so that we could live in freedom.

"It is important to teach the young people of today of the sacrifices made by local people, so I think the school involvement in this project is fantastic. Lest we forget.”

Councillor Pat Witherspoon, Redditch mayor, said: “I am so pleased that both adults and children will be involved with this event because 100 years ago the Great War affected everyone, young and old. This is a historic moment and I hope that the memorial is visited for generations to come."

Year three students from schools across the borough were tasked with writing, in no more than 100 words, which tree they thought would be most suitable as a living memorial combining the themes of the Great War and the tree.

The students could pick from a range of nine species. Winning entries came from Kiera Brown from Tenacres First School and Joe Williams from Vaynor First School who both picked oak.

For more information on the memorial contact Ian Gregory on 01527 62174 or email Ian.Gregory@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.