A VILLAGE has expressed its gratitude for all its servicemen returning safely after the First World War with a new plaque.

Scruton, near Northallerton, has been designated a Thankful Village.

The parish and church councils joined to commemorate the village's status and have installed a plaque in the porch of St Radegund's Church.

It also pays tribute to the two men who lost their lives during the Second World War, John Hoare and William Wyndham.

Janet Crampton, vice-chairwoman of Scruton Parish Council, researched Scruton's claim to be a Thankful Village and instigated the plaque.

She said: "The project has brought several interests together in the village, and the plaque serves to record the village's relief that all its servicemen came home safely after the First World War.

"It also provides a memorial for the two Scruton men who lost their lives in the Second World War. It is especially fitting that this plaque has been put up and blessed by the vicar of Scruton at this year's Remembrance Day service."