WOODEN crosses have been planted at Fields of Remembrance in the North-East as a tribute to those who have died in conflict.

A dedication service was held at the cenotaph at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Saturday (November 1) where a small crowd gathered to pay their respects.

The service was conducted by the Venerable Nick Barker, Archdeacon of Auckland and priest in charge at Holy Trinity Church, in Woodland Road, before the crowd observed a two minute silence.

Veterans and Armed Forces personnel attended the service, as well as the town’s mayor and mayoress, Gerald and Ruth Lee.

Councillor Lee said: “It is an honour to be here, especially with the 100th anniversary of start of the First World War.

“These people, many of them volunteers, went out there knowing that the likelihood of them not coming back was very real.

“It is important that we do not forget these people wherever they may be in the world.”

Ray Jeffery, chairman of the Darlington branch of the Royal British Legion, urged people to attend the Field of Remembrance, which will be open until mid-November.

He added: “We are trying to grow this event and build it up to 2018, which will be 100 years since the end of the First World War.”

A service was also held at Saltwell Park in Gatehead, for the third year running.

A dedication ceremony took place on Saturday at 10.45am with a minute’s silence being observed at 11am.

Crosses with poppies have been planted by volunteers including members of the Armed Forces and their families, The Royal British Legion and cadet forces.

It was launched on Friday by Mike Wilson, whose identical twin brother, Lance Corporal David Wilson, from Spennymoor, County Durham, died while serving with 9 Regiment Army Air Corp in Iraq during 2008.

Marcus Hawthorn, area manager for The Royal British Legion in the North-East, said: “We are delighted to work with Gateshead Council to host the Field of Remembrance for a third year.

“The service was an opportunity for the public to pay their respects and also reflect on the sacrifices made by so many men and women who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.

“In this poignant year which marks the centenary of the First World War, we hope more people across the North-East will visit our Field and pay tribute to those we must never forget.”

The Field of Remembrance will be open to the public until the afternoon of November 14.