THE families of 31 Caerleon men who died in the First World War gathered to lay a poppy in St Cadoc’s Curch at a remembrance event attended by hundreds.

The 350 ticket holders were greeted by actors in full military and civilian First World War garb, and were entertained by readings of prose and poetry, musical contributions from four choirs and a youth orchestra.

Members of the Caerleon remembers committee are planning to erect a lasting memorial silhouette of a First World War soldier in a prominent position in the town.

One of the evening’s organisers, Tim Davidson, chair of the Caerleon festival, explained that the community had worked hard to prepare a meaningful tribute to those who died.

“We’re very pleased with how it’s turned out,” said Mr Davidson.

“The support from the community in terms of helping to create the event, and the attendance on the night, has really been quite overwhelming.

“An awful lot of hard work has gone into this.”

The Caerleon arts festival committee intents to commission a memorial art work, which will sit in Festival Field.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Caerleon projects above should visit the JustGiving page: Caerleon Remembers.