ALMOST 50 people turned out for a special service to remember Gilsland's war babies. 

The village played host to a makeshift maternity hospital during the Second World War, at Gilsland Spa. 

Whilst most of the babies went on to live happy and fulfilling lives, 96 were either stillborn, or died at a young age. 

On Sunday, a memorial stone was laid in the grounds of St Mary Magdalene Church, near to the hillside where the babies were buried. 

Rev. Annie Gray led the special service, which was attended by local residents.

They were joined by some of those who were born at Gilsland's wartime hospital, who travelled from across the North-East, and as far afield as Wales.

Rev. Andrew Longshaw also spoke at the service, which included music from the Geltsdale Choir. 

Church Warden Roger Ashman, who has led a community campaign for the memorial stone, said: "The service was reflective, meditative, and each of the 96 names were read out. 

"The stone was unveiled altogether by nearly half the congregation - who were born at the Spa during the war years."

Afterwards, the congregation then went to Gilsland Spa, which is now the Gilsland Hall Hotel, for tea and cakes, and to share memories.

The memorial stone was donated by NSD Stone Direct, based in Brampton. 

The unveiling of the stone has been months in the making, after the parochial church council announced plans last year, for a lasting memorial.