A GARDEN to commemorate the fallen of the First World War is set to open next month after a lengthy community effort.

Ludgershall Great War Commemoration Group (LGWCG) in partnership with Ludgershall Town Council have worked together to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War on November 11.

The groups have led a project to transform the existing Rose Garden opposite Ludgershall War Memorial into a resin paved Centenary Garden with a large poppy at the centre.

It has now been confirmed the garden will be unveiled by relatives of soldiers named on the Ludgershall Cenotaph on November 11, before being blessed and dedicated immediately following the parade service on Remembrance Sunday, in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire and Claire Perry, MP for Devizes.

Work has been principally funded by donations, fundraising and sponsorship from businesses as well as from Wiltshire and Ludgershall Councils.

A large part of the work was carried out by Lovell, the developer awarded the contract to build new homes as part of the Army Basing Programme.

Local tradesmen, volunteers and soldiers from 26 Engineer Regiment have also worked on the project.

On Remembrance Sunday, soldiers from 26 Engineer Regiment will parade in High Street prior to a wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph, with the service being relayed from St James’ Church. Once proceedings are over, 26 Engineer Regiment will march past those assembled opposite the Memorial Hall where a reception for those that have contributed in some way to the garden and relatives of those killed in action will be held.

There will also be an exhibition of the Great War in the Memorial Hall over Remembrance weekend.