VILLAGERS gathered at a war memorial to pay a moving tribute to those who lost their lives during the First World War.

Residents of Huncoat - many in period dress - gathered at the village war memorial to mark the 93rd anniversary of the unveiling of the cenotaph on April 29, 1922 at the top of a hill off Higher Gate to the corner of Lower Gate Road.

A minute’s silence was held on Wednesday, April 29 and a passage from the original 1922 unveiling pamphlet was read to a crowd of more than 50 people.

The commemoration event was organised by the Friends of Huncoat War Memorial and Recreation Ground group, who have been campaigning against a plan to relocate the memorial from its current location.

In attendance was 93-year-old Alan Balderstone, one of only two Second World War veterans left in Huncoat. Mr Balderstone read a verse from the famous war poem ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon during the commemoration.

Alan, of Towneley Avenue, said: “I served in Algeria during the Second World War. This memorial was put here in 1922 to remember those who lost their lives, I think it is a fitting tribute to them and it is great to see so many members of the community out remembering them.”

Pete Heys, whose great-grandfather’s name adorns the memorial, said he would like to see the cenotaph remain in its current location.

He said: “My great-grandfather private James Heys died at the Somme in 1916 and his name is on that memorial.

“My kids come up here and it brings home the significance of the war for them, seeing a relative’s name on the memorial.

“This is a nice place of rest and when I heard about the planned move it was upsetting.”

Ian McCann, who is a member of the Friends group, praised residents for turning out to pay tribute.

He said: “The memorial stands in a commanding position in the public recreation grounds. It was put here for a reason.

“It cost around £320 to build and was built via public subscription. It’s important that we respect the wishes of those who erected the memorial.”

A Hyndburn council consultation over the planned move closed on March 27.

A decision on whether the move will go ahead is expected after the local elections.