WILLITON Remembered the First World War on Saturday at a special parade, commemoration service and concert.

The day had been organised by the Williton branch of the Royal British Legion and the Williton Remembers WW1 project.

For months they have busy planning how they would commemorate the First World War, with the results culminating on Saturday and at an exhibition which took place in the village last week.

The project got off to a flying start in July after receiving £7,800 of Heritage Lottery Funding.

Children from schools in Williton, too, played their part – working on poems, essays and models which were featured in the exhibition.

Youngsters from local clubs also took part in the parade, which was led by Watchet piper Fred Bacon.

One of the objectives of the Williton remembers WW1 project was to encourage the local school children to learn more about the events of 1914 - 1918 and to reflect this in a piece of personal work. Around 100 youngsters took part in the competition, submitting pieces ranging from art work to poems. The winners received their prizes from the High Sheriff of Somerset at a presentation ceremony which followed the inter-denominational service.

The winners were: St Peter's First School: 1st Ruby Holder - collage, 2nd Haydon Nicholson - poem on the theme "The Soldier", 3rd Briana Izzillo-Boomer - poem on the theme "The Soldier"

Old Cleeve First School: 1st Elsie Sanders – Painting of Flanders Fields with poppies, 2nd Mo Binding – Model of WW1 tank, 3rd Ryan Evans – Cross with tissue paper poppies Danesfield School 1st Izzy Gorman – Collage illustrating a poem by Rupert Brooke, 2nd A year 5 pupil - Model horse - parents do not wish for the child's name to be published 3rd Elizabeth Towells - Poem titled “We remember”

After the service, the Military Wives’ Choir and the RMB Chivenor and West Brass entertained visitors.

The High Sherriff of Somerset, Richard Lloyd attended as well.

Guy Morgan, from Williton Remembers WW1 said: “It was a tremendous day; we had over 250 people for the service and afternoon and everyone really enjoyed themselves.

“The exhibition was also a great success, we had a steady stream of visitors throughout the week and at least 20 class visits from the three schools in Williton.

“We’re already planning events on how we can commemorate the end of the war for 2018 but we are now working on getting everything together for the time capsule.”

Information which has been gathered has been digitally recorded and will be included in a time capsule to be buried in the War Memorial Garden.

Organisers are hoping to bury it on November 11 this year.