RESIDENTS of Chard have taken a large step in proudly remembering people who have given their lives in war.

As the UK prepares to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the first world war, a group of volunteers led by Cllr Jenny Kenton unveiled their new project, a replica of Chard war memorial covering in poppies.

The monument has been put on display and is covered in around 2,000 poppies. Incldued in these are 162 bearing the names of people from Chard who died during the first and second world wars.

Cllr Kenton said: “It looks amazing. It wouldn’t have been possible without TP Timber Products who made it.

“As I was writing them out I saw one of the names on their was the same name as my grandson. I think he was from the first world war, and my grandson is only seven, but it does make it more personal.

“There are lots of Chard families on there and if you look at the names there are lots you will recognise. You get three or four people from the same family and if they weren’t brothers then they were cousins.

“When I was writing out 162 names, it brings it home really, and walking into the Guildhall it really makes you think.”