YOUNG people in Horwich are being called upon to help the town remember the men who gave their lives in World War One.

The Horwich branch of the Royal British Legion is working with Horwich Town Council and other organisations in the town to plan commemoration events to mark the 100 year anniversary of the start of the Great War.

Youngsters will be at the heart of the event, in a bid to teach them about the importance of the conflict and what those involved sacrificed.

Organisers believe there were more than 450 men from Horwich who lost their lives during the war and the names of each of those will be read out at a service, which will take place at the memorial garden in Lever Park Avenue on Sunday, August 3, at 12.30pm.

Young people are being asked to volunteer to plant a cross for each of the dead which will be placed in the ground while the names are being read out.

Heading up the plans is Horwich Town Councillor and chairman of the Horwich branch of the legion, Cllr Ken Denton.

He said: “I think that increasingly kids are learning more and more about what went on in World War One and that is a good thing.

“We are hoping that as many young people as possible will come and pay their respects to those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we all have today and to show they understand those sacrifices.”

Later in the evening, people are invited to a ‘poppy party’ at the Horwich RMI club in Ramsbottom Road where local comedian Terry Cotta will be joined on stage by special guests.

The event starts at 7.30pm and admission is £5, with any profits made going to the Horwich Poppy Appeal.

For more information contact Sue Denton on 01204 691723.