A DOZEN English oak trees are being planted in a picturesque Moors village to help tell the story of its 12 residents who died in the First World War.

The trees are being planted in Goathland by the village’s primary school pupils to help create a living war memorial.

The project, which will see a Centenary Walk established past the site of the trees, has been made possible thanks to the work of the Goathland Community Hub and Sports Pavilion CIO, which has been awarded £9,400 Heritage Lottery money.

The project is also supported by the North York Moors National Park Trust.

Keith Thompson, chairman of the Goathland Community Hub and Sports Pavilion said: “In 1922 a lady called Kate Smailes, who had lost her own son in World War One, planted 12 English oak trees to commemorate the 12 men of Goathland village who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Kate carefully chose a location for her trees along the old railway line, where she could see them every day on her favourite walk.

“Now, 100-years-later, we plan to retell this poignant tale by planting 12 oak saplings and establishing a two-mile circular trail that will take in both the remaining historic oaks and the 12 new trees.”

A commemorative plaque and information board will share the stories of the 12 men and the impact their deaths had on the village.