Memorial plaques have been unveiled in North Leigh to honour soldiers from two local families who were killed in the First World War.

The two metal plaques were installed next to recently planted trees at Bellway’s Shepherds Walk development during a ceremony held at 11am on Armistice Day.

The housebuilder donated the plaques to mark the ultimate sacrifice made by Robert Gough and Albert Breakspear.

Robert was one of three members of the Gough family to lose their lives in the war. Albert was one of four members of the Breakspear family to perish in the conflict.

The two men, who are named on the plaques, were among 18 soldiers from the parish to be killed in the war.

Relatives from both families were present to help install the plaques at the ceremony, which was organised by North Leigh Parish Council.

Two streets on the development have been named Gough Close and Breakspear Way in honour of the families.

Villager Harry St John, a councillor on West Oxfordshire District Council and North Leigh Parish Council, said: “It was a simple but poignant ceremony to mark the remarkable sacrifice made by these local men and their families.

“The story of how two families from this village sent 15 young men to the First World War and saw only eight come home is as tragic as anything the scriptwriters of Saving Private Ryan could imagine.

"It was very fitting that members of both families were here to help with the installation of the memorial plaques.

“We hope the plaques will serve as reminder for a very long time of the incredible story of young men who gave their lives so we can live in a better world. We are grateful to Bellway for helping to make sure these men and their families are not forgotten.”

Ben Smith, managing director of Bellway South Midlands, said: “When Councillor St John got in touch to ask us if we would provide plaques to commemorate the lives of all 25 men from the village who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars we didn’t hesitate to agree."

The remaining plaques will be erected at Shepherds Walk next to trees due to be planted later this winter.

Construction work on 116 homes at the site off New Yatt Road is nearing completion.