AN OTLEY folk band has performed a Remembrance-inspired song to local schoolchildren.

Two members of Summercross, Greg Mulholland and Jim Caswell, wrote Albion Street - about ‘the extraordinary fact that one small terraced street in Otley lists nine of the town’s fallen’ - last year.

The song was given its debut performance at The Bridge Church to help mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Now three members of Summercross have performed it again: this time to Ireland Wood Primary School pupils during Remembrance week, when Jim and Greg were joined by violinist Mary Huby. The band also talked to children in Year 5 and Year 6 about how the song was inspired by Otley Museum’s research into the lives of fallen soldiers, which Jim was involved in.

Singer-songwriter Greg said: “It was a pleasure to perform Albion Street at Ireland Wood Primary and to talk about the story of the nine men from one terraced street who left to fight in the First World War and were killed - a story that reflects the unparalleled loss that hit cities, towns and villages all over the country.

“We were delighted to help the pupils with their First World War project and hopefully to help inspire them to write their own poems and songs, as well as to keep alive the memory of the fallen and the need to strive for peace.”

Songwriter and guitarist Jim said: “The story of the men from Albion Street stood out: nine men from the same little terraced street and the fact that this street was called ‘Albion’ – the oldest known name for Great Britain - seemed especially symbolic. I thought the power of the story should be put to music and I hope the song is a fitting commemoration of these men.

“It was a pleasure to perform it for the pupils.”

Ireland Wood Primary Headteacher Ian Blackburn added: “We were delighted that Summercross were able to come and share their music with us. I hope it has inspired our budding historians, writers and musicians!”