PUPILS from Grindleton CE Primary School will scatter poppy seeds during a Royal tree-planting ceremony at Clitheroe Castle next Wednesday.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent will plant an oak tree in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle, marking the centenary of the start of the First World War.

And afterwards Grindleton pupils Phoebe Smalley, Robert Sutcliffe and Rebecca Aldington will scatter poppy seeds around the fledgling tree.

Ribble Valley Borough Council has planted oak trees in 40 villages in memory of the hundreds of young Ribble Valley men who lost their lives during the Great War.

An oak was planted on the Grindleton playing field in September in a moving ceremony attended by pupils, parish councillors and villagers. The pupils also established a commemorative poppy garden in their school grounds.

Ribble Valley Mayor Michael Ranson, who has spearheaded the tree-planting scheme, said: “We are all connected to the First World War through our family history, the fallen in our local communities, or its long-term impact on society.

“I am delighted that so many parishes have supported the tree-planting campaign and I am particularly delighted that the Grindleton school pupils are to scatter poppy seeds around the tree during the Royal visit.”

Maureen Stansfield, head teacher at Grindleton CE Primary School, said: “The pupils are really excited to be meeting the Duke and looking to taking part in the tree-planting ceremony.”