A SCHOOL paid tribute to former students who died in action soldiers with a special memorial concert today (Friday).

Wolsingham School and Community College held a service to re-dedicate the 59 oak trees planted in memory of former students who lost their lives during the First and Second World War, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Pupils read poems and letters written by fallen soldiers before the Last Post was played, followed by one minute’s silence and the Reveille.

Headteacher Deborah Merrett read out the names of all 59 former students who died in conflict, as pupils laid tributes at the trees.

Barry and Joan Wall, whose son, Colin Wall, died in action in Basra in 2003, attended the service.

Mrs Wall said she was soothed by the service and impressed by the school’s efforts to commemorate fallen soldiers.

Weardale County Councillor Anita Savory said the service was extremely moving and the students were a credit to the school.

Mrs Merrett added: “As 2014 draws to a close, this is a very special time for Remembrance as it marks the start of commemorating the sacrifices of all who endured the four long years of the Great War.

“As a school we feel privileged to be the guardians of these Memorial Oaks in our community, now towering high on out Lower School fields. These trees have been identified by the Imperial War Museum as probably the oldest war memorial in the country.”