A Weston church is the only organisation in North Somerset to be awarded Remembrance Day Tommy figures from a national charity.

Members of the Christ Church congregation have been celebrating this week after being given two seated There But Not There soldiers ahead of the centennial commemoration in two weeks’ time.

The church, in Montpelier, was handed the models after it presented its Remembrance Day plans to the charity – which aims to install as many of the figures around churches, public spots and landmarks as possible.

It is the only organisation in the area to be awarded the Tommies but a number of businesses and groups have opted to purchase them.

An additional four, smaller Tommies have been made by a parishioner to stand proudly in and around the church.

They will play a key role in its Festival of Remembrance which will see 10 displays set up around the church, made by different groups and schools from the parish, to remember the fallen.

Reverend Keith Hallett said: “The groups have really got stuck in with the projects. The children at Christ Church Primary School have created a display about animals at war and we also have displays paying tribute to the local hospital, nurses, soldiers and more.

“We are hoping a number of people from our community will come and enjoy the events we are putting on. It is a free display and people of all ages are welcome.”

During the church’s Remembrance Day service, the 63 names on its war memorial will be read out before the Last Post is played and a two-minute silence.

To coincide with the festival, the church has commissioned a book about the men who died during World War One from its parish, giving details about where they lived, served and when they died.

John Hinchliffe, Roderick Crocker and Brian Kellock researched and wrote the book.

Reverend Tom Webber said: “I think the link between our community and this span of history is simply incredible. The sheer shock at knowing someone just down the road gave their life for our future is really something.

“We are going to honour the men and woman and recognise their sacrifice during this festival.”

The Festival of Remembrance will take place from November 9-11 with a full service on Remembrance Sunday at 10.30am.