CREATING a lasting legacy for Wiltshire’s soldiers who died during the First World War will be at the heart of a new project over the next 12 months.

Next year will mark 100 years since the end of the war and communities across the county will help mark the centenary by planting 10,000 trees in honour of those who served or died.

Wiltshire Council is spearheading the project and council officials are now working community area boards across the county, including Royal Wootton Bassett, Cricklade and Purton, to help identify locations for planting the trees and creating appropriate memorials.

Over the next 12 months, local groups and schools will be invited to assist with the planting and the council is also working with the Woodland Trust who is providing the trees free along with the advice, expertise and assistance in planting the trees.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook, leader of Wiltshire Council said: “We know that communities want to be involved and the feedback so far has been overwhelming support for this project. It is really important that young children are involved – as they were with the Wall of Remembrance – so that they can learn about the war and the consequences of what happened.

“The trees will be planted in November 2018 and I think it’s a very fitting and long-lasting way to commemorate such an important milestone.”

It is anticipated that the trees will be planted in the towns where the soldiers originated from and each will have an inscribed memorial with their names on.

Feedback from communities so far has shown overwhelming support for the project and young people will once again be encouraged to be involved as they were with the Wall of Remembrance in 2014 when crosses were created across Wiltshire to mark those who had served in the First World War.

The wall is still being exhibited across the county and will be preserved in the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre.

As well as the tree planting project, a number of other commemorative events are being planned for both Swindon and Wiltshire to mark the 100 year anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Anyone who would like to be involved in the tree planting or would like further information can contact events@wiltshire.gov.uk.