A NORTH Yorkshire church is joining a national initiative to

ensure the memory of the First World War is kept alive.

St Helen’s Church in Bilton-in-Ainsty is joining Armistice centenary commemorations by displaying eight silhouettes of soldiers who died in the war, as part of the Imperial War Museum’s There But Not There campaign.

Each figure commemorates a soldier Bilton or neighbouring Bickerton who died in the war, six of whom are named on the community’s 1921 war memorial and two who were discovered later.

The figures have been sponsored by local people and will feature the details of the soldiers they represent.

The name of a ninth man, also the organist at the former Methodist church, was uncovered too late for the display, but his details will also be included.

Those included in the display are Sgt Arthur Edwin Chapman, Cpl Francis Wilson Skilbeck, L Cpl John Birkinshaw, Cpl John William Harper, Pt Thomas Barnes, Pt William Barnes, Pt George Precious, Pt Thomas Walker and Rifleman Franklin Edgar Ingram.

Co-ordinator Susie Pilling, whose idea it was to take part in the war museum’s campaign, said: “We hope it brings the war to life in people’s minds.

“Each silhouette has its own story to tell, delivering a powerful punch that reconnects us in a very moving way with our brave boys who lost their lives during this conflict.”

The church is having an open weekend this weekend for people to view the figures. From 7.30pm on Saturday, there will also be an evening of words and music at the church, hosted by singing duo Serendipity.

Two memorial trees, with tags for people to write messages on or tell their own story, will be in the sanctuary area of the church.

The silhouettes will be displayed until the end of November.

The church is open for worship two Sundays per month and every fourth Saturday for a coffee morning.