The organiser of a rejuvenated remembrance service in Tong is urging people to help keep the ceremony alive.

Methodist preacher Arthur Stead rekindled the tradition at the war memorial in Tong Cemetery five years ago after a 52-year break.

Mr Stead, who counts two uncles who died in the First World War among the 130 men named on the tribute, rekindled the service after visiting the site on Remembrance Sunday in 1995.

Shocked at the lack of even a single poppy, he was determined the war dead should not be forgotten.

He said: "My dad, who lost his arm in World War One, told me that the first day of the Battle of the Somme shut every curtain in Tong Street, there were so many killed from here.

"We should remember, and numbers are improving each year, but we would like a few more people to come along and support it."

Since then, with the help of the Salvation Army, Mr Stead has organised annual ceremonies. Last year's attracted more than 30 people.

He now hopes a poster campaign at shops, pubs and clubs in the area will attract even higher numbers this year.

The Tong Street cemetery remembrance service will start at 10.45am on Sunday, November 12.