AN assembly was held in the hometown of a soldier who died in Afghanistan to pay tribute to fallen servicemen and women.

Corporal Lee Brownson, 30, from Bishop Auckland, of the 3 Rifles battalion, died in Sangin, Helmand province, on January 15, on foot patrol. He had volunteered to lead a night patrol in an attempt to drive out Taliban fighters.

Yesterday, pupils at Bishop Auckland’s Evergreen Primary School held an assembly to demonstrate the importance of Remembrance Day.

The school, which caters for children with special educational needs and disabilities, welcomed piper Derek Millmoor and standard bearer Bryan Rawley, who served with the Durham Light Infantry’s 5th Battalion.

Children from class ten gave a presentation before poppy wreaths and crosses were laid at a cenotaph made by pupils.

Teacher Faye James said: “I was very shocked at how little my pupils knew about the importance and significance of Remembrance Day and I wanted to change that and make sure they were aware of the bravery of the men and women who have and are still currently serving for our country.

“I decided the best way to do this was in the form of an assembly, then the whole school would benefit.

“We paid a special tribute, and I showed pictures of Lee Brownson, who sadly lost his life earlier in the year. (The children) could really relate to somebody being so close to where their school is.”

Meanwhile, pupils, teachers and the public gathered at Wolsingham School and Community College to pay their respects.

The names of all former pupils who died in the First World War, Second World War and Iraq were read out and students placed crosses next to the 59 oak trees planted in their memory in the school’s grounds.

Pupils from Wearhead Primary School also attended the service, which was conducted by the Reverend Jon Whalley and assistant headteacher John Maddison.

At Redcar and Cleveland College, in Redcar, east Cleveland, former pupils and teachers of Sir William Turner School, who died during the First and Second World Wars were remembered. Serving members of the Armed Forces, members of the public, present and former students and staff attended the service, along with representatives from Canon Slade School, in Bolton.

They were there to remember former pupil Frederick Walker, who was a teacher at the school and who was killed in action during the First World War.

In Darlington, Colour Sergeant Richard Fisher, a sniper platoon commander of the 1st battalion, Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, visited Harrowgate Hill Primary School, to give a talk.

Tomorrow, Sergeant Kevin Graham and PC Sean Godfrey, from Catterick Safer Neighbourhood Team, in Catterick, North Yorkshire, will take part in the remembrance parade in London.

Both officers work with families at Catterick Garrison and helped set up a Families First programme to support the loved ones of soldiers deployed in Afghanistan.

Sgt Graham spent 12 years in the Army and helps train recruits.

PC Godfrey is chairman of the Cleveland Branch of The Western Front Association.

David Powell, from Bishop Auckland, will also be at the cenotaph representing the prison service. Mr Powell, who is one of 16 selected from across the country, said: “This is one of the biggest honours of my life.”