A NEW memorial to commemorate the local men who lost their lives in the two world wars will be erected on the village green at Welland.

The slab of Malvern Hills granite, bearing a plaque inscribed with the names of those who died, will be close to the primary school that many attended.

The war memorial was the idea of Second World War veteran Southwell Elms, who lives in the village.

It will be dedicated to the memory of the soldiers, sailors and airmen at a service at St James' Church on Sunday, May 8.

The granite slab was donated by Malvern Hills Conservators, after the idea for an outdoor war memorial was taken up by the parish council as part of the Doorstep Green project.

There are two plaques in St James' Church listing the dead of the two world wars, but the latest memorial will contain some additional names, men who attended the local school but did not live within the parish boundary.

Relatives of some of the men will join villagers, representatives from various regiments and the Royal British Legion for the dedication.

"It's nice the village will have this memorial. Everyone you speak to says it's a good idea," said Mary Purser, who has been involved with researching the additional names for the memorial.

She said anyone with a connection, or interest, in the men whose names are on the memorial was welcome to attend.

The church service will be led by Rev Frances Wookey. It takes place at 11am and will be followed by a dedication on the village green, with refreshments afterwards at the Pheasant Inn.