A new war memorial has been unveiled in Broadwindsor, near Bridport, commemorating 84 servicemen from the area who lost their lives in the two world wars.

The memorial was unveiled at a ceremony held earlier this month to tie in with the 79th anniversary of D-Day, and was attended by villagers, councillors, schoolchildren, and local dignitaries, including West Dorset MP Chris Loder.

The servicemen named on the memorial include those from Broadwindsor and the neighbouring parishes of Burstock, Drimpton, Seaborough and Blackdown.

At the unveiling event, children from Broadwindsor Primary School read aloud the names of each person in their teens, 20s and 30s who lost their lives, followed by a two-minute silence.

Mr Loder laid a wreath and recited the Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph. The event concluded with the flyover of a Supermarine Seafire aircraft.

Reflecting on the event, Mr Loder said: "I was very sorry to learn that there wasn't a war memorial in Broadwindsor to commemorate the lives of so many local servicemen who died in war.

"This one corner of West Dorset made an incredible sacrifice, and I am glad that there now exists a physical memorial to remember the fallen. It is a real testament to the efforts of the local people too, and I would like to publicly thank Rowland Hibbard and Andrew Frampton, who got this project off the ground and made it a success."

Mr Hibbard, who led the event, added: "This was a very moving occasion with wonderful involvement from many members of the community and it was a very poignant moment when the names of all 84 who gave their lives for their country were read out by the schoolchildren.

"The attendance of all the dignitaries and local residents reflected the great pride with which we deservedly hold for all who protect our country in the past and the future."

The unveiling of the new war memorial in Broadwindsor