DOZENS of soldiers joined villagers and veterans in a remote churchyard in rural France to pay their respects to a North-East soldier who laid down his life for King and country. Andy Walker reports from Ecots, with pictures by Chris Booth.

WORD had obviously spread.

More than two hours before the start of the Armistice Day service of Remembrance for Lance Corporal Alfred Raymond Hope, well-wishers had begun to gather.

They huddled together for warmth against the biting November chill that enveloped this rural, pretty corner of northern France.

By the scheduled start time of 10.30am local time, close to 100 people had shuffled into the cemetery outside the church of St Wambert des Trois Vallees, in Ecots.

Young and old, British and French, military and civilian, they all gathered solemnly around the grave in quiet reverie.

Soldiers from the Queen's Royal Hussars (QRH), the modern day equivalent of the Darlington soldier's regiment, had travelled from Athlone Barracks, in Sennelager, Germany, to offer their respects and prayers.

Heads bowed, they stood in three ranks to hear the rousing opening words of Padre Neil McLay, who led the 45-minute service.

Reverend McLay said: "We are gathered to remember a fallen soldier, a fellow countryman, who was killed on August 18, 1944, fighting alongside our French brothers and sisters against that great evil that brought about the Second World War.

"Since that day, L Cpl Hope's resting place has been here, in this very special, sacred place."

The grave was flanked by flag bearers, colourfully-attired French veterans who each represented separate nearby villages.

Ecots mayor Jean-Pierre Hoste welcomed the soldiers, who walk in the footsteps of L Cpl Hope.

Speaking via an interpreter, Monsieur Hoste said: "It is very appropriate to be welcoming you, soldiers of the Queen's Royal Hussars, on this great day of commemoration and remembrance, to honour the memory of L Cpl Hope, who died a few steps from here, as he fought for the liberation of our country.

"This ceremony is testament to our gratitude and his memory will for ever remain alive in the soil of our village."

Monsieur Hoste laid a wreath of poppies on behalf of the people of Ecots.

Trooper Ieuan Davies, from York, did likewise, as did the unit's commanding officer, Major Charlie Haines.

One of the hand-written messages on the wreaths read: "In loving memory of Lance Corporal Alfred Hope, in recognition of your courage, sacrifice and selflessness."

A piped version of the Lament followed the scrupulously well-observed two-minute silence signalled by the church bells striking 11am.

The service was arranged by the joint efforts of QRH officers, officials in Ecots and batttlefield tours company Spirit of Remembrance.

The 36 QRH soldiers at Monday's service have now embarked on a tour of French battlefields, to broaden their knowledge of military history.

Special mention must go to Richard Wilson, of Monmouthshire, who happened upon L Cpl Hope's grave by chance, on a trip to Ecots last year.

Although he did not return for Monday's service, he as much as anyone deserves the credit for making it happen, having lobbied all the parties involved, as well as The Northern Echo, to flag up the story of the Lone Soldier.

It was certainly an eye-opener for many of the QRH troops in the congregation, not least Tpr Davies.

He said: "It has been an honour to come here, pay our respects to L Cpl Hope and give our thanks for the ultimate sacrifice he made.

"About a month ago, one of the officers mentioned that a small group was to take part in an act of remembrance here."

A QRH officer confirmed that the trip had been vastly over-subscribed, with many troops having to miss out.

Mr Wilson was concerned that the bravery of L Cpl Hope had been largely forgotten about by the British military for almost 70 years.

After such a poignant service, in which some were moved to tears, it nows seems unthinkable that L Cpl Hope's sacrifice will ever again be allowed to slip silently by when Remembrance season comes around.