SCORES of people gathered to witness the planting of an oak tree to remember the fallen of World War One.

The English oak was planted in Penrith’s Castle Park this week to commemorate the centenary of the end of the conflict.

As many as 60 people turned out in the sunshine, including Penrith Mayor Scott Jackson and Marcia Reid Fotheringham, the High Sheriff of Cumbria.

It was one of the final events by Penrith Remembers 2014 - 2018, which has put on a varied programme since it formed about five years ago and involved people from all walks of life who've come together to share their stories about the war.

Co-chair Ann Risman did the honours of planting the tree, which was dedicated by Canon David Sergant.

Mrs Risman, who founded the group after more than 40 people showed an interest at an initial meeting, said: "It was brilliant. What more can you want. It was a nice day and people came who said they were coming.

"We are very happy with the turnout. Every guest is important but we were pleased civic leaders came."

Words of Rory Stewart, who is president of Penrith Remembers, were read out at the ceremony.

The Penrith and The Border MP described the tree, known as the Armistice Oak, as a "life-affirming symbol which represents strength, morale, resistance and knowledge. Lasting many hundreds of years, it is a living legend and one we will use to remember those who have fallen, those who were injured and those left behind."

Over the past four years the group has organised a programme of war remembrance events, which have included talks, exhibitions, concerts and excursions.

Books of war memories have also been created along with a reference book, which is soon to be published, detailing the biographies of the 200 soldiers from the Penrith area whose names appear on a memorial plaque in the park.

Mrs Risman added: "Anybody who lives in Penrith will be impressed with the number of people involved.

"We have provided something that people genuinely feel we should pay our respects to our ancestors. We have made a common cause."

Penrith Remembers will hold its final event at the George Hotel in Devonshire Street, Penrith, in the coming weeks.