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Coronavirus Kent: Soldiers stand guard for the NHS at Eastchurch, Sheppey

Soldiers from the First World War are back on parade honouring Britain's NHS during the fight against coronavirus.

They have taken up positions on the grass at the entrance to Eastchurch, a tiny village on the Isle of Sheppey.

The soldiers have returned for the NHS during the coronavirus lockdown at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey
The soldiers have returned for the NHS during the coronavirus lockdown at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey

The four black silhouettes were first used at the village's Remembrance Sunday parade last year, organised by firefighter Kieran Clarke and Adam Partington.

Kieran, 34, said: "We have eight of them but I thought it would be nice to bring four of them back for the NHS and other key-workers.

"We have had a couple of banners made, including a nurse with a boxing glove to illustrate the new battle against Covid-19."

He was helped by his wife Kayleigh and friend Joanne Griffin who encouraged youngsters to leave messages of support.

Resident Laura Tansley said: "It's great to see the soldiers back at Eastchurch thanking the NHS. I think they look fab. Kieran and Adam have done another amazing job."

Kieran Clarke, Adam Partington and the team who brought back the soldiers for the NHS during the coronavirus lockdown at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey
Kieran Clarke, Adam Partington and the team who brought back the soldiers for the NHS during the coronavirus lockdown at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey

The team has attached the letter N and H to two and a Superman logo with the letter S to a third. The fourth statue has a giant red 'love' heart on it.

The village's Remembrance Day parade has now become a major event in the space of just three years.

It began with 50 participants and last year it featured 780 people complete with military vehicles and horse and carts.

Read more: Latest news from the Isle of Sheppey here

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