CARE home residents and staff joined forces with soldiers and children to sow the seeds of remembrance this week. (Wednesday, May 7)

Wild poppy seeds were planted in the garden at Bishopsgate Lodge, in Bishop Auckland, to create a living memorial to those who paid the ultimate price in combat.

HC-One, which runs the home, has distributed poppy seeds to all its homes to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War.

At Bishopsgate Lodge, activities coordinator Lesley Duff invited soldiers to lead a memorial service which included the sounding of The Last Post and a minute’s silence before the seeds were planted by youngsters from Buddies Childcare Centre.

Mrs Duff said: “It was a lovely day, it really bridged the generations and lots of people got involved.

“It was incredible to see residents, some in their 90s, alongside soldiers and toddlers all observing the silent tribute, it was very emotional.

“Some of our residents were involved in the Second World War and many had someone close or know of someone who was in the First World War.

“Lots of us have stories that have come down through the family about sacrifices during times of war so the centenary needs to be marked, it is important that those lost in that war and all others are never forgotten.”