TWO veterans organised a remembrance service this weekend to remember those who lost their lives in Afghanistan.

Pete Molloy and Alan Gardner arranged the special service in Spennymoor town centre at the cenotaph on Saturday (March 28).

More than 100 people turned out for the event, including a mother who lost her son during the conflict in Afghanistan.

Mr Molloy, who served in the army, said: “I came up with the idea for a remembrance service in Spennymoor to mark the end of combat in Afghanistan, but also because we know a family from Spennymoor lost their son there.”

Private Dean Hutchinson, lost his life when flames swept through a logistical centre at the Helmand province headquarters in 2011, he was 23.

His mother, Elaine Hutchinson, attended the service on Saturday.

Mr Molloy added: “Before the service Mrs Hutchinson came and spoke to us and I know she was very appreciative for the service.”

With the help of former RAF serviceman, Alan Gardner, and Remembrance Sunday parade marshal Arnold Sanderson, the service was organised in just a few weeks.

Matthew Tarling and Father John Livesley of St Andrew’s Church gave readings and Sergeant Chris Coxon from Bishop Auckland sounded The Last Post.

Mr Molloy added: “We knew it would be a good turn out, but we weren’t sure if the weather was going to put people off. For now it has been a one off service but who knows what could happen in the future.”