New Malden's old and young came together last weekend to remember the horrific bombings which devastated the town during the Second World War.

Over 300 people visited Christ Church, New Malden, on Saturday, September 18, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Blitz.

War veterans and school children helped form a poignant procession down the church aisle to lay a rose in memory of the 74 lives lost after bomb attacks in August and September 1940.

New Malden historian Robin Gill, who helped compiled stories and anecdotes from the horrifying period in the area's history, read out the names of the dead one by one.

Mr Gill said: "This is an important date in the history of Malden and Coombe - but as the years have passed, less and less is known or talked about this event, especially by our younger generation.

"The Malden Blitz is becoming a forgotten part of our heritage in this borough and I therefore feel moved and inspired by this very special service."

Old Malden councillor David Fraser said: "The research that Robin Gill provided was outstanding, including the depths he went to researching the names of those that lost their lives.

"There was overwhelming support from those attending the service and the success was due to those associated in bringing this to the attention of New Malden residents."

Blitz survivor and 85-year-old New Malden resident, Pat Farr, read a poem about when the bombs starting falling while she was working as a shop assistant in Tudor Williams on the High Street.

According to official records, 104 lives were lost in New Malden between 1940 and 1945, with the biggest single death toll occurring on August 16 1940, when the train line and area around the station was bombed.