SCHOOL students are set to honour the fallen war heroes of a small town by poignantly planting trees in their memory.

Pupils at Broomgrove Junior School, in Wivenhoe, will plant 55 trees on Friday, each representing a resident who gave their life fighting for our country.

The memorial project, which will see 55 students take part, will be held on a nearby Taylor Wimpey housing development.  

Each tree will be accompanied by a commemorative handmade plaque naming the child who planted it and the deceased soldier or sailor it represents.

The event, the idea for which came from resident Phil Long, will be attended by families, veterans, the town’s vicar, and representatives from Taylor Wimpey.

Karen Wright, interim headteacher at Broomgrove Junior School, said she is delighted her students have been asked to take part.

She said: “In our church, there is a war memorial displaying the names of 55 residents who lost their lives for our country. 

“On Friday, 55 of our pupils will be planting 55 trees in remembrance of each of these villagers.

“The plaques are being made by hand by the son of one of our staff at a local farm, so, it is a real community event.”