A NEW war memorial, honouring the sacrifice of men of Mitcheldean and Abenhall has been unveiled.

The new monument, carved by Lydney-based sculptor Carrie Horwood, features the likenesses of two of the men from the villages who served in the First and Second World War.

The idea for a new monument to replace the small stone cross in Mitcheldean churchyard which has served as a war, came from Mitcheldean resident John Tandy.

Ms Horwood, who runs Cat’s Eye Carving at Taurus Crafts, was commissioned to create the 2.5m tall Forest stone memorial by Mitcheldean Parish Council.

Speaking at the ceremony last Wednesday (September 14) Chair of the parish council, Cllr Jackie Fraser, said: "Today we are unveiling our new war memorial in tribute to those that gave our lives for all of our futures.

"I’d like to pay tribute to Mr John Tandy whose proposal and committed hard work has brought this community together today and also to all the dedicated volunteers, including those who have tirelessly researched into each and every person on this monument.

"My thanks to the skill and talent of stonemason Carrie Horwood for undertaking such a unique and emotional task."

Ms Horwood said: "It has been a long time coming but it was especially important for me to be able to create something like this."

The representative figures are George Hyett from Abenhall who died about a month before the end of the First World War when HMS Leinster was sunk in the Irish Sea, and Harold Edwards who was discharged after being blown out of a tank and later went on to become clerk to Mitcheldean Council.

Members of the families of the men named on the memorial attended the ceremony, including Andrew Wright of Lydney, the great grandson of George Hyett.

Children from Mitcheldean Endowed Primary School sprinkled seeds on the ground in front of the memorial.

The school choir also sang Fields of Gold by Sting which was inspired by the First World War.