Peace symbols placed at altar

Hundreds of handmade paper doves were laid at the altar of Newark Parish Church at a children’s remembrance service on Tuesday.

More than 200 pupils from eight schools took part.

The Last Post was played by Mr Peter Footitt, the musical director of Newark Town Band, before pupils observed a one-minute silence at the war memorial on Appletongate. Each school laid a wreath.

During the service there were readings by pupils from Mount, Bishop Alexander and Bowbridge primary schools.

Sergeant Wayne Flintoff, from RAF Waddington, spoke about his 22-year career in the armed forces. He described how hard it was for those currently serving in Afghanistan to be away from their families.

Pupils from Barnby Road Academy, Lovers Lane Primary School, Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Primary School, Christ Church Infants’ School and Cleveland Green Federation also attended.

All the pupils wrote prayers and messages on their doves, which is an international symbol of peace.