CUMBRIANS will be among more than 2,000 members of the Royal British Legion paying tribute to the fallen of the First World War in Belgium next week.

Sea cadet Ethan Close, standard bearer Andy Edgar, both from Kendal, and Janet Eglin, from Ulverston, alongside her family, will join a RBL march to the Menin Gate in Ypres on Wednesday (August 8).

Great Pilgrimage 90 echoes the way the legion commemorated the 10th anniversary of the end of the conflict in 1928 when 11,000 visited the battlefields to pay tributes to the fallen.

Ethan, 18, got involved with the Royal British Legion seven years ago as a volunteer for the Poppy Appeal and he attends Remembrance Day events.

He recently completed training as a standard bearer. His great grandfather served in WW1 and Ethan is hoping to join the Merchant Navy in a few years.

He is looking forward to taking part in the pilgrimage with Andy, both of whom are from the Kendal Legion branch.

Ethan said: “I am doing this amazing event because it’s a once in a life time opportunity to represent my town and the people of Kendal, plus all the battle grounds will be very interesting to see. Also seeing what the soldiers had to go though during the First World War. The day of the parade will be an experience I will never forget as I march with another 1000 standard bearers. We are all doing this for one reason and that’s to remember every single person that fought for our country.”

GP90 will be a family affair for Janet, who is taking part in the pilgrimage with her husband Anthony, brother-in-law Rod and his wife Christine.

Janet and Anthony both served together in the Territorial Army and fought in Iraq while Rod also served, so the event has a special meaning for them.

Janet will carry the standard for her branch in Ulverston, while Rod will carry his for the Whitehaven Branch. Anthony and Christine will lay wreaths.

Janet said: “I have been a Standard Bearer for about seven years and really enjoy it. We are all looking forward to GP90 as it’s a great way to represent out legion branches and pay homage to the fallen from our town.”

A service of commemoration will take place under the gate marking the start of The Hundred Days Offensive, including readings from the UK’s ambassador to Belgium and the Archbishop of York, with music provided by The Central Band of The Royal British Legion.

1,100 wreaths will be laid which will contain messages written by school children from across the UK.