A RURAL branch of the Royal British Legion is appealing for families and friends of soldiers who died fighting in the First World War to come forward.

The Hedinghams and District branch is seeking to track down as many names of former soldiers as possible ahead of this year's remembrance service.

Royal British Legions throughout the UK are planning special events to mark 100 years since the end of the Great War which will run alongside the traditional services held on November 11.

The Hedinghams and District branch says it has already traced the names of 54 soldiers from Sible Hedingham who died during the First World War, as well as a further 37 who lived in Castle Hedingham.

However, the group is looking to track down the names of soldiers who lived in other north Essex villages.

Chairman Malcolm Firman added: "We would like anyone with knowledge and better still pictures of these brave men who gave everything for us.

"We have no figures for the remaining villages in our branch area including Bulmer, the Maplesteads, Gosfield, the Yeldhams, Ridgewell, Gestingthorpe and the Belchamps.

"All the villages are in the process of planning commemoration of the armistice and celebration of the end of a long and bitter war.

"If you can help or would like to be involved, please get in touch."

Contact 01787 462398 or email mfirmanrbl@hotmail.co.uk.