CHILDREN from schools in Pershore took part in a moving Remembrance Day service ahead of this week's big occasion.

The annual Pershore Benefice Schools wreath-laying service took place at Pershore Abbey on November 7, with pupils from all seven schools in the area laying wreaths in honour of those who have served in the armed forces.

Led by Canon Claire Lording, the event also involved representatives from Pershore and District Royal Naval Association and the Royal British Legion.

A wreath on behalf of the Veterans was laid by RBL chairman Simon Dudfield.

Evesham Journal: POPPIES: Poppies at Pershore's war memorialsPOPPIES: Poppies at Pershore's war memorials (Image: Pershore Abbey)

Cllr Matthew Winfield, mayor of Pershore, also attended on behalf of the Town Council. 

This is the 12th consecutive year that the local schools have laid wreaths; ever since the Commemorative Garden was opened in May 2011. 

Canon Lording said: "It’s always so poignant to see our young community laying their wreaths in their own act of Remembrance to both the Fallen and to all the Veteran Services.

"I am deeply moved each year by the level of respect they show, doing their parents, schools and our Town proud by their impeccable behaviour and diligence to this service. 

Evesham Journal: SUPPORT: Poppies at Pershore AbbeySUPPORT: Poppies at Pershore Abbey (Image: Pershore Abbey)

"It’s quite unique to Pershore to have all of our Benefice schools participate from the ages of eight upwards and it’s a focal point for them to visit throughout the Remembrance period." 

Other poppy displays in Pershore include a knitted poppy blanket and reins on the Pershore Warhorse Memorial created by town crafters, a wreath on Preaching Cross in honour of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, knitted poppies on the Abbey gates and the weeping window of poppies at St Andrew’s.