RESIDENTS of Hale remembered their fallen heroes at a special first anniversary service for the Hale Royal British Legion.
Scores of parishioners and war veterans paid tribute to some of the servicemen who fought and died for their country in the First World War and the Second World War at the ceremony.
Last year the community got together to mark the restoration of the village war memorial after the village raised thousands of pounds under the guidance of the Hale War Memorial Restoration Committee.
One year on more names were unveiled on a series of plaques which will now go alongside the memorial.
Victoria Cross winner Ian Frazer was on hand to commend Private Gunner Woodward, who died in Germany in 1947, and the late Colin Naylor who was chairman of the Hale Parish Council.
The Guildswomen of Hale planted a rose tree in memory of Mr Naylor.
A service took place at St Mary's Churchand then the crowd was led to the Memorial Green by standard-bearer George Main who served in Burma.
Jim Ross, one of the organisers, said: 'Mr Frazer's bravery earned him the Victoria Cross in sinking a Japanese battleship. He was our guest of honour and he gave a great little speech.'
Mr Ross also said the Hale branch of the Royal British Legion has recently won an award for attracting more members to the organisation.
If anyone would like to join, they can contact secretary George Poynton on 0151 425 2165.
