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The villages of Arkholme and Nether Kellet are just a few miles apart in the north of Lancashire. They also share the distinction of being the county's only "Thankful Villages."

The term was made popular in the 1930s and describes communities that had not lost any men in World War One.

Throughout England and Wales there are believed to be 54 parishes which could be classed as "thankful." There are none in Scotland or Ireland.

Arkholme is said to have had the greatest number of surviving service personnel, with 59 returning safely.

Nether Kellet is one of 13 places said to be "doubly thankful" because they also went through World War One with no fatalities.

Both villages now have plaques giving thanks for the safe return of their men – although for many years Thankful Villages felt a sense of unease at their good fortune.

Location: Arkholme, Carnforth Lancashire LA6 1BA
Image: WW1 memorial plaque in the village of Arkholme