A FIELD in a North-East town centre has been preserved forever as a memorial to the fallen soldiers of World War 1.

Yarm Town Council, in partnership with war centenary group Yarm 1914, and Fields in Trust, have dedicated Snaith’s Field, off Bentley Wynd, in memory of the 120 Yarm men who gave their lives in the Great War.

Yarm 1914 was set up by town councillor Peter Monck and others and has held numerous events since 2014.

Mr Monck said he was inspired by his grandfather, Yarm resident Fred Monck, who served with the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He signed up in 1916 after initially serving as a retained firefighter from 1914.

He survived being shot in the head at the battle of Passchendaele, and later a mustard gas attack at the second Battle of the Somme, and lived to the age of 85.

He said his grandfather never spoke about the war.

An event has been held to formally dedicate Snaith’s Field, with the Time Bandits reenactment group in attendance, alongside the Royal British Legion. A bugler played The Last Post and the Tees Valley Pipe Band also played.

The idea is to preserve a green space in the town centre for future generations, while marking the sacrifice of soldiers 100 years ago.

The Fields in Trust initiative aims to protect war memorial playing fields, parks and green spaces in memory of those who died during the conflict.

Cllr Monk said: “Protecting Snaith’s Field means that there is always somewhere to remember the sacrifices of World War I, but also to enjoy the fresh air and the surroundings.

“We were approached by the Trust as part of their centenary programme to secure recreation spaces in memory of people who died in the war.

“Snaith’s Field was given in trust to the people of Yarm from one of the benefactors of the Clapham family, for the benefit of children.

“As part of the field listing we realised it wasn’t actually secured with the Land Registry, but we have sorted that out now.

“It is important to secure it so no development can take place. Yarm is ripe for developers coming in and building anywhere they can, so it was important to secure the field as well as providing a lasting tribute for those who gave their lives.”

Fields in Trust Chief Executive, Helen Griffiths, said: “This programme is a fitting way for us to mark the sacrifices made by so many in World War I whilst looking to the future through a living remembrance.”

The event is one of a series the town has held, with the Battle of Passchendaele Commemoration coming up on Yarm High Street on July 16.