A NEW memorial has been unveiled in the Recreation Ground in Fordingbridge.

A service was held on Friday, June 28, in the Memorial Gardens to commemorate the end of the First World War on the centenary of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

The memorial tablet is in memory of those who died in the Great War, particularly the residents of Fordingbridge and its surrounding parishes, and those who were killed or injured in all conflicts.

At the end of the service the church bells rang out over the town.

The memorial tablet has been funded by Fordingbridge Town Council. Fordingbridge mayor, Paul Anstey said: “Every day is a lovely day when you are permitted to gather as a group in a public place to commemorate and give thanks, in your mother tongue (English) or language of your choosing, which most people in UK would take for granted.

“However, sadly there are many places in the world where this freedom or right is not permitted. Therefore, for our freedom we remember those who fought for our rights.”