A SPECIAL ceremony will take place at Bacup Cemetery next month to mark the completion of a project to mark First World War graves.

Haslingden-based charity Veterans In Communities (VIC) received backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund for Operation War Graves 100.

Over the past 15 months, veterans have been involved with the project, including working with young members of the Prince’s Trust to ensure those who fought and died in the First World War and who were buried or remembered in Bacup Cemetery were properly honoured.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Manager Bob Elliott said: “On Friday, September 11, we will be holding a special service at Bacup Cemetery at 11am when we will be inviting everyone who has been involved in the project, the families of those who have been remembered, dignitaries and councillors.

“The service will be led by the Rev Gerald Higham, who is a padre with The Royal British Legion.

“The Last Post will be played by Harry Johnson and we will have Standards on parade and the VIC Singing Group will be singing.

“We are also hoping to have some people in First World War costumes.”

A book written by local historian Wendy Lord, Where Heroes Rest, provided invaluable information about the location of local war graves.

The last stone to be laid in the project has particular poignancy for VIC outreach worker Steve Butterworth because it was for his great-uncle Enoch who died in Ypres in 1917.

Last year Steve painted a portrait of Enoch from a family photograph and the framed picture now hangs in The Hide at the VIC Centre.

Steve and his family were present while the memorial stone was laid.

For more information on the project contact VIC on 01706 833180.