A RACE is on to clean eight war graves in St Agnes cemetery, Conwy, in time for the Armistice commemoration and an appeal for volunteers to help has made.

The graves have been hidden below undergrowth and have been inaccessible for many years, but thanks to the drive of a local resident, Anna Bitowski, they are being uncovered and cleaned.

Anna discovered the graves when she wanted to place a poppy on her grandfather’s grave on the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One. He had fought in the War but died in the 1930s suffering from the effects of a gas attack. She said: “I went to the old part of St Agnes Rd cemetery to put a poppy on my grandfather's grave, but I couldn't get to it, the graveyard was like a jungle with eight feet high brambles.

“I discovered there were eight War Commission graves in there, but they have been were totally inaccessible for many, many years. I subsequently met Chris Hawes from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and he agreed to erect a plaque outside the cemetery as a means of commemorating the men.

“However he said if we succeed in clearing the area, he would take the plaque down and maintain the graves. So I gathered some volunteers together, from several local businesses, the community, and in addition the Probation team brought people to the cemetery to help, and together we have made a real difference. We also had help from Conwy council, even though the cemetery is still owned by St Mary's church in Conwy and the council is not responsible for it. They helped by cutting down all the saplings growing through many of the graves.

“I formed a Friend’s Group of volunteers, and we recently received funding from the Tesco Bags of Help to buy equipment such as brush cutters, rakes, wheelbarrows etc. However, we are short of volunteers, and I want to encourage more local people to become involved.

“You can now see all of the graves and walk throughout the graveyard, but there's still a lot of work to be done, and I want to get the job done in time for the Armistice commemorations.

"I've arranged for Rev David Parry, vicar of St Mary's, to read out the names on the graves and of others from the area who fell and are buried elsewhere, and say a prayer over the graves on the afternoon of Armistice Day. I'd like to get a bugler or trumpeter to play the last post if one can be found."

For information about volunteering contact Anna Bitowski on 07751317928 or anna.bitowski@hotmail.co.uk.