A LASTING stone memorial to the 5,000 Forest sheep slaughtered as a foot and mouth precaution in April is now in place thanks to generous local folk.

The memorial is sited on the Blue Rock Trail some 200 yards from the Soudley entrance, by the railway tunnel, and a brass plaque recalls the sad events of spring.

"Originally it was suggested the stone should be placed by the site of the actual cull on Speech House Road," said organiser Leslie Ramsden.

"However traffic is heavy at that spot and other sites were considered because of safety fears. The New Fancy View lookout was one, but we settled on the Blue Rock Trail which is a lovely spot."

Calls for the memorial emerged when it was revealed many of the animals concerned were pets, some belonging to children.

"A magnificent total of £450.13 was raised, £325 by public donations and £125 from fund raising activities by the committee," said Mr Ramsden.

He said there was around £150 left after acquiring the stone and plaque and because the stone was by a picnic site it was hoped a suitably inscribed bench and seats could also be purchased.