School particularly remembers one of its own

MOSSLEY Hollins High School had a special reason to remember with its own service on November 11 – one of its former pupils.

Current head of music, Steve Beardmore, told how he taught Joey Etchells at the Huddersfield Road establishment just six years before he was killed in action in Afghanistan.

He also told how he witnessed his wish of having his ashes scattered at Indian’s Head above Dovestone Reservoir in an emotional ceremony.

Every Hollins pupil stood outside to honour the fallen, with those in groups like the Scouts and Army Cadets forming a parade before laying wreaths at the tree planted in memory of Joey, who died in 2009.

Mossley’s police also paid their respects after hearing speeches from pupils Hannah Cristofoli and Summer Dawson before head boy and head girl, William Wilson and Chloe Illingworth, gave addresses.

After the playing of the Last Post, a two-minute silence was impeccably observed.