CALDICOT is making ready for two remembrance services this Sunday – one at the roll of honour in St Mary's Church and one at the Celtic Cross built during town centre pedestrianisation.

In a move seen to make peace with all shades of opinion in Caldicot the 11am traditional service for the fallen at St Mary's will be followed in the afternoon of Sunday November 11 by an interdenominational sunset service.

However elements of the Legion have said they do not recognise the Celtic Cross as the true war memorial.

"The true war memorial is the one in St Mary's, set up and paid for by the people of Caldicot," said Royal British Legion chairman Lloyd Watkins.

"We will be holding our full traditional service there as usual."

However, the legion says that if members want to go to the service there will be no objection.

The council says in a statement: "Caldicot Town Council consider that the Celtic Cross bearing the names of fallen servicemen should be paid proper respect and be included in arrangements for Armistice Day."

The sunset service will be conducted at the Celtic Cross by the Mayor's chaplain, the Rev Canon Derek Jones.

Mayor David Evans will lay a wreath on behalf of the town council and the town.

"The Caldicot and District Branch of the Royal British Legion, all clergy, all Caldicot uniformed contingents, all town organisations and all individuals are invited to the service," states the council.

"It is hoped that the inclusion of the Celtic Cross inscribed with its names will be seen as an added act of remembrance to enhance and complement a day of remembrance as a bond for the town as a whole."

The names of fallen servicemen were inscribed on the base of the cross following a 1,000-name petition from townspeople, says the council.

Caldicot Royal British Legion branch, which meets in the Severn View Social Club, is appealing for new members.

"We have 60-70 but of course the turnout is small because many are now getting on in years," said Mr Watkins. All ex-forces people, friends and family could become involved "but if things don't get better we could face closure," he said.