RELATIVES of seven soldiers who died in battle came from as far as Spain to see a new plaque carved in their memory.

Almost 50 family members of those who lost loved ones during the Second World War and a soldier killed in Northern Ireland in 1973, joined together at the Longhope Parish Church on Sunday to see the new oak and poppy decoration replace the former framed paper version.

The Royal British Legion in Longhope have worked hard to get a new plaque in the church and was there to uncover the carving which was donated and made by local master carver, Peter Walwin.

Jo Phelps of the Legion has spent two years researching and tracking down the relatives. She said: "The plan to replace the plaque has been in the pipeline since the beginning of the year as I noticed the old one had become scrappy and tired compared to the First World War ornate plaque. But I have been researching and contacting all the families of the men whose names are on the plaque for two years. I dug deep in the archives of newspapers and birth and marriage certificates, as well as asked around people in the area. It's a lovely experience when you get an address as it gives you a glimmer of hope that you are on the right track.

"I found my researching experience very interesting, and am in the process of publishing a book I have written about the men and those commemorated on war memorials in the village, including the First World War.

"Some particular interesting finds included Lance Corporal Alfred H J Beard, Army Air Corps, who died on D-Day in 1940 while parachuting into Northern France. Also the pilot officer Charles E M Worner, RAFVR, a pilot of a Lancaster bomber who was killed when his aircraft was hit by flak over France on July 31 1944. It was great to meet the relatives and spend the afternoon chatting at the reception in the Latchen Rooms."