THE Forest council is to write to Prime Minister, David Cameron, urging the establishment of a new public holiday to commemorate the fallen on November 11 each year.

Councillors gave almost unanimous support to an ammended motion put by Cllr Alan Preest (Lydney North).

It reads: "That this council write to the Prime Minister, David Cameron MP, requesting that full consideration be given to establishing an additional public holiday on the 11th November each year thus serving to create a true proper and fitting memorial on the most appropriate day to those who have given and continue to give the ultimate sacrifice. The day would provide the opportunity for people to participate in acts of remembrance and reconciliation."

Councillors from all parties united in support for the motion – the original wording was slightly amended by former serviceman, Cllr Paul Hyatt (Bream, Labour) from "allocating one of the existing public holidays to November 11" to "establishing an additional public holiday".

Cllr Len Lawton (Newent Central, Conservative) who has a son serving in Iraq said: "This is one of the best motions I've seen before this council and I'm happy to support it."

Council leader, Peter Amos (Awre), who served for 20 years in the marines, said: "November 11 is probably one of the most important days of the year and I think we do need a national day of remembrance. The more we do to elevate in the national conscience the sacrifice our troops have made and are making, the better the nation will be."

Cllr Graham Morgan (Cinderford, Labour) added: "Members of my family are commemorated on war memorials in the Forest and I support this motion fully."

On voting, 34 members voted for the motion and two abstained.