A SEARCH is on for the family of a First World War soldier buried in a churchyard at St Andrew's in Bredwardine.

There is a white military grave in the churchyard which marks the life of Private Tom Gammond.

He died on September 1, 1915 and was in the 8th Battalion of The King's Shropshire Light Infantry.

To mark the centenary of his death, the church is holding a First World War Exhibition on September 5 from 10am to 4pm.

And on September 6 a church service at 6pm will commemorate the soldier – 100 years to the day since he was buried in the churchyard.

Churchwarden Charlotte Sellar and Maryann Wood, who offered to research into Private Gammond's life, are searching for his family, so they can be invited to attend the service.

Mrs Sellar said: "If we did manage to track anyone down, it would be wonderful.

"It is quite rare, I think, certainly in this area, to have a First World War solder buried in the village churchyard."

Mrs Wood had always noticed the grave when she visited the church with her grandchildren, as her father was in the same regiment in the Second World War.

She discovered Private Gammond died from an abscess at a hospital in Cambridge, where the battalion was training.

Just four days later the battalion proceeded to France.

Mrs Wood has discovered Private Gammond was born in Bredwardine on June 25, 1892, to Thomas Arthur Gammond (died 1939) and Jane, née Davies (died 1935).

Private Gammond had a sister called Edith Gammond (born 1896) who married Arthur John Williams in 1933 in Cusop; a brother called Arthur Gammond (born 1898) who married Mary Lewis in Ross in 1918; and a sister called Gladys Gammond (born 1903) who married Arthur Webber in 1930 in Woolwich.

Arthur and Mary had a daughter called Daisy (born 1919) who married Victor Lane in Worcester in 1943.

If you think you could help the church get in touch with any relations to Private Gammond call Mrs Sellar on 01981 500281.