Council bosses are marking the centenary of the end of the First World War by planting three trees and showcasing ‘Tommy’ silhouettes.

The trees will be planted by Braintree Council chairman Vanessa Santomauro throughout the month.

A Douglas fir was planted in Halstead Public Gardens last week, an alder was put in Witham Town Park on Monday and a white willow will be planted in Marshalls Park, in Braintree, on Monday.

Miss Santomauro said: “These trees will stand as a living memorial to the fallen of the First World War for generations to come.

“We should also remember the thousands of families who were also affected so tragically by the wounding or loss of their own – such a grave loss of life for future generations’ freedom.”

The council has bought three six-foot Tommy silhouettes as part of the There But Not There campaign, which aims to commemorate the fallen, educate all generations about those who made the ultimate sacrifice and raise funds to help those suffering from the hidden wounds of war.

After the tree planting events, the Tommy silhouettes will be moved to permanent homes in Halstead Public Gardens, Witham Memorial Gardens in Newland Street, and Braintree and Bocking Gardens.

Council armed forces spokesman Wendy Schmitt said: “When I saw the Tommies I realised how perfectly they summed up those who are no longer with us physically but are still very much in our thoughts.

“As an ex-soldier and with a father and grandfather who served in the world wars, it means a great deal to me, as it does to many others.

“I hope these Tommies provide a place for people to come and quietly reflect and remember in beautiful surroundings.”

Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens trustee Julien Courtauld said: “The trustees are very pleased to join with Braintree Council in celebrating the end to the First World War by placing a Tommy silhouette beside the war memorial as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice made by so many people of this district, not only in the armed forces, but in many other ways, during that terrible conflict.”