THE British army's past and future paid their respects to the war dead at an isolated memorial.

Pte David Pegram of the Yorkshire Regiment and national service veteran Barrie Biltcliffe laid a poppy wreath at the cross on Pule Hill in Marsden.

Mr Biltcliffe, who served in Germany from 1951-53, said: "It's very important to remember that so many people gave their lives. Young people need to realise that great sacrifices were made for them."

The former Royal Artillery man is delighted that his one time paper boy David Pegram is joining the Royal Engineers in January. He said: "I think he's an intelligent young man and I'm sure he'll make a fine soldier."

They were joined on the 30-minute trek from Manchester Road on Saturday by the Rev Sue Pegg and her husband Mel.

Mr Biltcliffe, who lives in Marsden, said: "It was horrible weather, we were getting battered by a westerly gale. We had to tie the wreath to the cross or else it would have been back on the Manchester Road before we were."

War veteran Walter Horne erected a simple wooden cross on the hill in 1991 but it was repeatedly vandalised and then stolen six years later.

A larger cross was put up two years ago.

The Rev Pegg also held a service of remembrance at Linthwaite United Church on Sunday and released white balloons of peace.