COMMUNITIES gathered together on Sunday to dedicate a new village war memorial.

Residents of Ruardean, The Pludds and others, turned out en-masse to see Minister Tony Hughes dedicate the new war memorial which now fittingly stands by the Ruardean Memorial Hall.

Earlier this year, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the community orchestrated by Reg Duberley and supported by the parish council, monies had been raised to establish the memorial.

Prior to the dedication, Rev Nick Bromfield led a poignant family church service before the congregation moved to the new memorial.

Tony Hughes said, as part of his welcome address: "It was not so quiet in the town of Ypres in Belgian 100 years ago. October, 19 1914 marked the beginning of the first Battle of Ypres.

"A hundred years on, Britain has been marking the centenary of First World War to honour those who served, to remember those who died and to ensure that the lessons learnt live with us forever.

"We also acknowledge the outstanding work of the Royal British Legion as the nation's Custodian of Remembrance and we appreciate their presence here today."

The wreath of dedication was laid jointly by district councillor Andrew Gardiner and parish council chairman Ralph Cole. Also present were Mark Harper MP, Anny Reid (county chairman of the British Legion), district councillors and the parish council. There were representatives of the armed forces, the British Legion and its local poppy collectors, youth organisations including the Brownies, Guides and Scouts. The standard of the British Legion Drybrook branch was paraded by Alan Townley.

After the dedication service there were refreshments served up by the Brownies in Ruardean War Memorial Hall.