GARDEN City Recreation Ground in Chepstow has become a ‘Centenary Field’, granting it long-term protection by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC).

A ceremony was held on the field on Monday, April 25 to mark the occasion.

National charity Fields in Trust, in partnership with The Royal British Legion, runs Centenary Fields, which aims to protect war memorial playing fields, parks and green spaces in memory of those who lost their lives during World War One.

The Garden City Recreation Ground was laid out by the Admiralty National Shipbuilding Company as part of the new village built for workers of the Government’s new shipyard at Chepstow in 1917. The shipyard was providing ships for the First World War.

The housing development and slipways for the ships were built by 6,000 Royal Engineers and some civilian work was undertaken by German prisoners of war.

Fields in Trust Cymru Chairman, Ivor Morgan says: “This national programme is a fitting way for us to mark the sacrifices made by so many in World War One whilst looking to the future through a living remembrance.

“We are delighted that MCC is commemorating the war for the people of Chepstow in a way they can appreciate forever.”