The Minister for Armed Forces came to Purfleet yesterday for a special WWI ceremony giving names to buses after those who gave their lives.

Ensign Buses has named 26 buses after each of the 26 men from Purfleet who fell during the Great War.

The commemorative ceremony was held at Purfleet Heritage Centre to mark 100 years since the first man from Purfleet was killed.

The event was attended by former MP and parliamentary candidate Jackie Doyle-Price as well as Minister Mark Francois, as well as scores of Thurrock residents.

The Minister paid tribute to Ensign for its initiative and emphasised the importance of remembering those who had made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can all remain free.

Jackie Doyle-Price, Conservative candidate for Thurrock said, “I would like to congratulate Ensign on this initiative. It is typical of the community spirit of Ensign that they have chosen to pay respect to the fallen from Purfleet. Ensign is always keen to play its part in supporting the community.

"It is always great to see so many people turn out at events like this and it shows just how much respect the people of Thurrock have for the armed forces. I am pleased that the Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Francois, was able to come and pay tribute on behalf of the MOD.”

One of the 26 buses will now be forever named after Private Arthur H. Reed, who was killed in the Great War in 1917. 

The names will stay on the buses for four years after the centenary of World War I ends.