STUDENTS are preparing to take part in a memorial service to honour two former pupils who lost their lives while on active service.

Laurence Jackson School in Guisborough will be paying tribute to Private Richard Turnbull, from the 3rd Battalion Light Infantry was killed on June 29, 1977, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, aged 18, and Marine Chris Maddison, from the 9 Assault Squadron Royal Marines, was killed on March 30, 2003, in Basra, Iraq, aged 24.

As part of the community wide project, two plaques will be placed in the school as a permanent memorial.

Headteacher Tony Gavin said: “It is really important that the young people of Guisborough and East Cleveland understand the true meaning of remembrance, and by highlighting the heroic actions of two former students, it brings home the full impact. That two of their own were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so that future generations may be able to live a more peaceful existence sends out the strongest possible message.

“The official opening of our new school building gave us the chance to include a special memorial and I am humbled by the level of local support.

“I am delighted that family and friends of Richard and Chris will be able to join us for the special assembly and I would also like to thank Councillor Bill Clarke for mobilising the support team and the several kind sponsors for making the whole process possible.”

Guests are being asked to arrive for 8.15am on Friday and report to reception for the service which is set to start at 8.30am and will last approximately 15 minutes. Families, friends and local civic dignitaries will also be in attendance.

The memorial plaques, which were manufactured by Jim Taylor of the Guisborough Trophy shop, were paid for by donations from Guisborough Town Council, councillors from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Galliford Try and the Guisborough branch of the Royal British Legion.

Councillor Bill Clarke, ward member for Guisborough at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Due to the rebuild of the school, the opportunity to recognise the ultimate sacrifice of two former pupils and their families in the form of a permanent memorial was taken. The school is named after a former soldier and this, along with the new memorials, strengthens our town’s historical pride as a hot-bed of recruitment and service of townspeople in HM Forces.

“This has been a community wide project involving many groups and thanks must be given to them all.”