FORMER Wharfedale Observer/Ilkley Gazette journalist Rachel O'Connor is raising funds for the Poppy Appeal by selling her book We Will Remember Them'.

The book is dedicated to the men from Burley-in-Wharfedale and Burley Woodhead who lost their lives in World War One.

Rachel said: "From a young age I have been involved with the Poppy Appeal in Burley and I am the current Poppy Appeal Organiser in the village. I have been to the village Remembrance Service virtually every year of my life and listened intently as almost 100 names were read out of men who never returned to Burley and Burley Woodhead.

"I often wondered who exactly were these men, many not much more than boys; where did they live, who were their families; what did they do before the war; where did they die?

"I decided to write a book about them and went on a voyage of discovery to unearth details about them. It has taken me over a year to complete and includes pictures not only of the men as individuals but also in village football teams and enjoying social activities.

"There are also stories of village life at the time and how my grandmother came to be arrested in the war!"

The book, which retails at £10 with proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal, will be on sale this weekend at Saturday's Christmas Fayre at Burley Oaks School (10am to noon). It is also available in Burley at the florists shop and Burley Barbers, Guiseley shop Debonaire Vintage and in Burley Library from the Burley History Group on Tuesday and Friday afternoons.

You can also contact Rachel by e-mail at Rachel.football@hitmail.co.uk for home delivery.