WAR babies who were born at a makeshift maternity hospital in Gilsland during the Second World War are set to make an emotional return to the village this weekend.

Many of those born at the hospital at Gilsland Spa during the 1939-45 conflict went on to live happy and fulfilling lives, but some were less fortunate.

A special service will take place on Sunday to remember the 96 wartime babies at Gilsland who were either stillborn or died at a young age.

A memorial stone will be laid in the churchyard at St Mary Magdalene Church, near to the bankside where they were buried.

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

The Rev. Annie Gray will lead the service, which is expected to be attended by some of those born at the maternity hospital during the war.

Church warden Roger Ashman said: “Some of those born at the hospital live in places such as Newcastle and Whitley Bay.

“It would be nice to see our local residents join us for what will be a special service.

“Those babies will never be forgotten, and the stone will act as a reminder for the people of today, and will also ensure that they are remembered long into the future.”

The makeshift maternity hospital at Gilsland Spa provided a safe haven for expectant mothers from urban areas such as Newcastle, during the Second World War.

The constant threat of German bombing raids in major British cities meant they were evacuated to the safety of rural areas.

What is now the luxury Gilsland Hall Hotel was taken over by Newcastle Corporation, and used as a temporary maternity hospital.

Back in 2011, the Courant reported on a reunion of five wartime mothers, aged between 85 and 98, who returned to Gilsland Spa.

They were joined by almost 30 war babies for what was an emotional gathering.

The service will take place at 3pm, and will be followed by tea and cake at the Gilsland Hall Hotel