THE first anniversary of the South West’s Woodland War Memorial has taken place.

The Memorial Woodlands cemetery in Alveston created the monument a year ago to commemorate servicemen and women from the region who have lost their lives in combat since the turn of the millennium.

The ceremony, held last month, was attended by Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Dame Janet Trotter, Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb and representatives from the services.

The service was led by Lt Col Father Andrew Lloyd, DACG 43 Wessex Brigade, in the onsite chapel, before a procession to the memorial site where the Lord Lieutenant laid a wreath alongside representatives from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines.

A Bugler from 1Rifles closed the service with the traditional playing of the Last Post.

Founder of Memorial Woodlands Christopher Baker said: "We inaugurated the war memorial last year to provide a place for people of the South West to come to pay respect to the servicemen and women that have lost their lives. "We are honoured at the overwhelming response it has received and it was decided that we would hold an annual Service of Remembrance to provide a poignant occasion to honour those who have sacrificed their lives fighting for our country."