A PLAQUE has been unveiled in Marston commemorating to people who died in the Second World War.

Memorial trees were planted more than 60 years ago where an air raid shelter used to be in Marston Road but there was no formal sign marking their importance.

The plaque was unveiled on Saturday after much campaigning from Mar-ston councillor Mick Haines.

The service was conducted by The Rev Elaine Bardwell, vicar of St Michael and All Angels Church in Marston, with around 100 people in attendance.

Josie Bridges, 88, of Cromwell Close, attended the original tree planting event 62 years ago – and returned to unveil the plaque, which remembers the 27 people from Marston who gave their lives during the war.

The Rev Bardwell said: “When I first came here 17 years ago someone mentioned that the trees were planted as a war memorial but they have never been marked officially.

“It is really good to see all sorts of different parts of our community – young and old alike.

“Though we do like living in Marston, we don’t often have occasion to get together in this way.”

Lieutenant John Lee led the Headington Detachment of the Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force to salute those who gave their lives and a bugler played the Last Post to mark the occasion.

Mrs Bridges said: “I didn’t know I was going to do the unveiling until the day.

“It is a pretty big honour. During the war I lived in Mill Lane, the last house but one at the end of the village.

We were all glad when the war finished.

“It is about time we remembered those who died isn’t it?”

Mr Haines said: “It has been a struggle so far to get this, but the turn out today was fantastic and the service was brilliant.

“The people mentioned at this service today died for this area and this shows the people of this area appreciate what they have done.

“Now this plaque is here permanently for generations to come.”

Betty Fletcher, of North Way, Headington, who lived in Taveners Place, Marston, during the war, said: “I remember when the war ended, a soldier was so delighted he was going from house to house knocking on doors and we as children followed him like the Pied Piper.

“It is a bit nostalgic today.”