A PLAQUE commemorating nine soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War has been returned to its rightful home after being found in a skip.

The plaque, unveiled at Lanchester Road Hospital in Durham this morning (Friday), was rescued by local historian David Hillerby in 2012 and restored with the help of Durham County Council’s archive team, the Friends of Durham County Record Office and the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

Originally unveiled in 1919, it commemorates the memory of staff and pupils from the former Earls House Industrial School, Durham which stood on the site of the current hospital.

It was officially unveiled in the hospital’s reception and cafe area by trust chief operating officer Brent Kilmurray and British Legion Northern Area Manager, Marcus Hawthorn.

Information boards are being placed alongside the plaque, giving visitors an overview of the history of Earls House Industrial School.

Mr Hawthorn said “The Earls House memorial plaque captures an important moment in time; one which we must not forget. It commemorates those men who gave their lives for our country – men who worked and studied on this very site.

“To be able to play a role in ensuring this piece of history returns to its rightful place is hugely satisfying and helps the memory of the fallen live on.”

Liz Bregazzi, county archivist at Durham County Record Office, said: “We are delighted to see the plaque conserved and restored to its original home.

“A chance meeting with Mr Hillerby by the Friends of Durham County Record Office while fundraising for the project Durham at War, helped identify and research the history of the plaque and ensure that the boys and their bandmaster who gave their lives are remembered forever”.