'We must tell children why families left island'
BBCDescendants of evacuees forced to leave Alderney before the German occupation have helped plant trees to mark the 80th anniversary of the families' return to the island.
Among them were Claudie, whose father and grandparents were among those who returned after World War Two, and her son Luke.
The mother and son were not on the island for the official 80th Homecoming event on Monday when most of the trees were planted but some saplings were kept back for them to plant.
The new woodland is on York Hill overlooking Braye Harbour, where islanders returned 80 years ago - five years after they fled Alderney before German forces occupied the island.
More than 350 saplings have been planted to create the woodland to mark Homecoming Day on 15 December.
Claudie said her son was inquisitive and the "right age" for her to start explaining what happened to their family and why everyone left the island.
"It's important it's kept alive for future generations." said Claudie.
"We were fortunate enough to grow up hearing their stories, now they're no longer here it's important for us to pass those stories on so they're not forgotten."
The woodland planting event was organised by Visit Alderney and the Alderney Wildlife Trust.
Treina Hartell, from Visit Alderney, said: "It was really important to do something for the community that was going to involve all ages - really help children to appreciate the story of Homecoming."
Ms Hartell said more than 100 people took part in the tree planting event.
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