SCORES of villagers remembered local men who gave their lives in The First World War at a novel event at Barnton Library.

Catherine Mason from the library was overwhelmed by the support for the bulb planting, which exceeded all her expectations.

Only three people had said they were definitely coming to the event, but on the day more than 70 villagers attended.

“We had a fantastic response from the local community, and I never expected so many people to come along,” said Catherine, senior customer services representative at the library.

“I could not have been more delighted, and it was a very moving event.”

Residents were invited to write dedications to one of the 88 local soldiers who died in the war on a flag, the other side of which featured their name, when they were born, their rank, when they died and where they are buried.

Daffodils, tulips and alliums were planted in the library garden, and the flags were planted nearby by people attending the ceremony.

Barnton Primary School choir sang wartime songs before Catherine presented a bouquet to library volunteer Sally Walker, who had researched the details of the soldiers from the village who died in the conflict.

Before the planting The Last Post was played by Chris Purdie from Barnton Silver Band.

“I would like to thank everyone who came alone, and people put a lot of time and thought into their dedications, some of which were very personal,” said Catherine.

Sally lives in Barnton, and her research has been compiled into a family history resource which is available at the library, and a copy of all the dedications was also taken.

The library is planning to stage a similar event next year.

Catherine thanked councillors Malcolm Byram, Don Hammond and Norman Wright for funding the event.