A village has created a moving and lasting tribute to remember the 23 men from the parish who lost their lives in the First World War.

Eastern Daily Press: An avenue of Oak Tree's have been planted in Aldeby to mark the lives of the villagers who died during the War.Stuart James with his daughter Jennifer, Tim Wright, Linda Masters and Graham Kerridge.PHOTO: Nick ButcherAn avenue of Oak Tree's have been planted in Aldeby to mark the lives of the villagers who died during the War.Stuart James with his daughter Jennifer, Tim Wright, Linda Masters and Graham Kerridge.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Aldeby Parish Council wanted to do something to mark the 100th anniversary of the war, and decided to plant an oak tree for each of the men killed.

Council clerk Graham Kerridge said: 'The parish council wanted to commemorate the anniversary of the Great War and generally, everybody wanted to go for an oak avenue.'

The council approached the people who owned the land the oaks would be planted on, and with their blessing, funds were raised, and 24 oaks have now been planted by a team from Clinks Care Farm in Toft Monks.

The farm already maintains various communal green spaces and footpaths in Aldeby and further afield, and the trees they planted are well-supported and protected, meaning they should last for many years to come.

One tree for each life lost in the war now lines The Walks, with an extra oak to honour any unknown soldiers missed off records and memorials.

Mr Kerridge said: 'It's absolutely fantastic to see them planted, it was tremendously important for us to do something.

'Twenty-three people from a small parish like Aldeby is a huge number of losses - it's a significant number of the parish that never came back and it's important we remember that.

'But I also hope people will enjoy them, because they are there to be enjoyed.'

Chairman of Aldeby Parish Council Tim Wright added: 'It was important to acknowledge the centenary and do what we could to remember the people that had given their lives.

'I think Clinks Care Farm have done a brilliant job, the trees look really nice and I hope in years to come it will look like a cathedral of trees - a lasting tribute.'

The parish council hopes it will be able to install memorial plaques bearing the names of each of the men killed.

Anyone who would like to sponsor a plaque or make a donation should get in touch with the parish council at www.parish-council.com/aldebyparishcouncil or call Mr Kerridge on 01502 470 969

Are you planning a memorial in your town or village? Email polly.grice@archant.co.uk.