HUNDREDS of people turned up for a special commemoration event to honour those that lost their lives during the First World War.

About 300 residents, pupils and councillors paid their respects for the town’s fallen soldiers during a second remembrance service on Monday.

Cllr Ian Dunbar, of Connah’s Quay, said: “This is for the children, to respect the soldiers that lost their lives in the First World War.”

Video and images by Geoff Abbott

About ten pupils from each school in Connah’s Quay and Shotton and one school from Queensferry joined local cadets and councillors to lay a wooden poppy on the sandboxes.

The poppies included the name of a fallen soldier in the town and a message of thanks for their service.

Jack Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, said: “It’s a great event. It’s always pleasing to see the communities of Connah’s Quay and Shotton come together and see the schools and college as well. I think it’s touching to see how the children are remembering the fallen and you can just tell they will never be forgotten. Credit goes to our schools and everyone who attended.”

Cllr Peter Davies, Secretary of the Connah’s Quay and Shotton InterServices Committee, has spent four years planning for this poignant event.

Each school and organisation that lay a poppy were given a commemorative plaque and coaster so they remember their involvement on the day.

The councillor added: “I think it’s fantastic that all the schools turned up which has made the day. I would like to thank the college for doing the catering and the programmes and also to StreetScene.”

Coleg Cambria provided a buffet at the Civic Hall which saw children from each school read out a poem that they had written themselves.

Cllr Gary Cooper, chair of Shotton Town Council, said: “Big congratulations and a lot of praise must go to councillor Peter Davies for organising this event.”