A POIGNANT ceremony has been held at the graves of 161 soldiers who died in the First World War.

Today's (SUN) service was organised by the Friends of Linthorpe Cemetery and Nature Reserve in commemoration of the soldiers buried in the Middlesbrough cemetery.

About 80 members of the public attended the service, led by Rev Ray Morris from St Barnabas Parish Church.

There were also 28 war veterans, including flag bearers provided by the Royal British Legion, and about 20 cadets from each branch of the air, sea and army cadet services, along with 12 scouts.

Seven wreaths were laid and there was a march before Rev Morris gave an address and the The Last Post was played.

Derek Lewis, chairman of the Friends of Linthorpe Ceremony and Middlesbrough scout leader, helped organise the event.

He said: "It was a very moving ceremony. We're planning more ceremonies in memory of those who died in battles like Ypres and Gallopoli in the coming years.

"It was very important we had our scouts and cadets there to help put into their heads that if it wasn't for these chaps, not much older than they are now, giving their lives we wouldn't have our freedoms today."

War memorabilia was on display along at the cemetery prayer house following the event with cake stalls provided by the Women’s Institute at Linthorpe. Any money made from the service will be donated to Help the Heroes charity.