THE Mayor of Worcester helped to lay wreaths yesterday in remembrance of British and German servicemen who died in the First and Second World Wars.

City major Councillor David Clark was joined by John Hewlett, chairman of the Royal British Legion Worcester, at Astwood cemetery, to remember German prisoners-of-war.

Wreaths were laid at the Astwood cemetery war memorial.

Wooden crosses were also laid on the graves of Worcester servicemen who died at Ronkswood Hospital.

"A small wreath of poppies was laid on the grave of Karl Fuest, a German prisoner-of-war who was captured on D-Day, and later bought to Ronkswood Hospital with injuries," said Mr Hewlett.

"Back in 1963 his mother sent a letter to our branch from Hamburg asking for us to lay a wreath on his grave in Astwood cemetery and we have carried on doing so ever since.

"Most of these prisoners-of-war worked on farms and quarries around Worcestershire."

n John Hewlett, Royal British Legion chairman, left, and city Mayor Coun David Clark laying wreaths at the war memorial in Astwood Cemetery.