VILLAGERS in Bolton-le-Sands are to defy vandals and replace the war memorial which was so callously destroyed recently. The oak tree, planted as part of the 50th celebrations of peace last year, was cruelly snapped in half under cover of darkness on the eve of Remembrance Sunday - as reported in the Citizen two weeks ago. Now, thanks to that report and the kindness of bosses at the Barton Grange Garden Centre in Garstang, a new tree is to be put in at a ceremony next month.

That tree has been provided free of charge by Barton Grange who contacted the Citizen after marketing manager Hazel Lowe read the story. We put her in touch with the chairman of Bolton-le-Sands parish council, John Sparks.

Cllr Sparks said: "We are very grateful to the Hazel and the centre, this is a very nice gesture which is greatly appreciated.

"We hope to have a service and plant the new tree at 11.45am on Sunday December 8 and I've already lined up two of the village clergy for that date although it still has to be confirmed."

The original tree was placed in the Hollows on St Michael's Lane in the village at a service in May 1995 as people all over the country celebrated the 50th birthday of VE Day.

Along with a boulder displaying a plaque, it served as a memorial to the golden anniversary of the end of World War Two and for those from the village who died in previous conflicts.

Cllr Sparks added: "Hopefully we can have a fine few minutes on December 8 to put back something which means a lot to people in the village."

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