BY BEYRL PATEMAN

YOUNG people were at the heart of Nantwich's tribute to its war victims.

Twelve members of youth organisations read out every name on the town's cenotaph.

It was the first time for many years that such a roll-call had been made at the annual Remembrance Sunday Service spearheaded by the Nantwich and District branch of the British Legion and held in St Mary's church.

"We wanted to make this millennium commemoration special and reading out the names of all 219 men and three women on the memorial proved a very moving experience," said President Mr Alex Chadwick.

"There were several with the same surname. One family lost five members. It really highlighted the enormous impact the wars had on the community," he added.

Another first for the service was the introduction of more music. The church choir was supplemented by singers from the Central Methodist Church and the Nantwich Choral Society.

The church was packed for the service which was conducted by the rector, the Rev Peter Chantry. Civic dignitaries included the mayor and town council chairman with their consorts.

Earlier a parade of ex-service and youth organisations was led by the Normid 2000 band.

The youngsters who read the list of names represented Army, Air Force and Naval Cadet units, the Scouts, Guides and Red Cross.

Services of Remembrance were also held in surrounding viillages.

Earlier on Sunday a service was held at the river side 'grave' of American Airman, Lt Arthur Lesley Brown.

Until Saturday, floodwater threatened the annual tribute to the pilot hailed as a hero for steering his ailing plane clear of the town before it crashed by the side of the river off Shrewbridge Road.

His plane sank in quicksand and his body was never recovered. The memorial to his courage was established nearby and earlier this year was refurbished by the local branch of the Cheshire Regiment Association.

"During last week the water reached the path alongside the grave and we thought we would have to cancel the service. Luckily the situation had improved by Saturday and we were able to go ahead," said Association branch secretary Mr Tom Hodgkinson.

Youth also played a leading role at the American airman's grave with Morgan Davies playing Last Post and representatives of cadet organisations providing a guard of honour.