FIVE bangs were let off in honour of Whitchurch soldiers on Sunday.

A group of neighbours took part in the commemoration project to remember the town’s soldiers who died in the First World War, with each rocket launched for each man.

Thomas Williams, Alfred Henry Backhouse, John Charles Bray, Frank Carpenter and Stephen Lawes were honoured at the 11am session at Ninesprings Nursery, which was the first of 13 mornings to be held.

The five men who lived at Bell Street, Church Street, London Street, Test Road and an unknown location, respectively, all died in France and Belgium between October to December 1914.

Pictures of three of the troops were also displayed at the event.

As part of the project named Serving The People, organiser Graham Burgess looks to recognise things inherited since the war and themed the first event about neighbours.

He said: “The first set of bangs went well. We have inherited friends and neighbours, countrywide and in Whitchurch.

“Thanks so much to all for participating in something that was simple and spiritually very pure.”

The next five bangs will be let off at the Sports and Social Club using a boat theme today.