VETERANS of the Korean War gathered in Ledbury and Bromyard last weekend to mark the 50th anniversary of the start of the conflict.

The Hereford branch of the Korean Veterans Association has already held several ceremonies at county towns and continues with one at Ross-on-Wye tomorrow (Saturday, July 1) and at Hereford on Sunday, July 16.

Bromyard's event was held on Saturday (June 24) next to the Public Hall, where a plaque was unveiled earlier this year and three Korean flowering cherries and an oak were planted.

The service was taken by The Rev. Walter Gould, and the branch's standard, the Royal British Legion standard from the Eardisley branch and Korean and British flags were displayed.

In Ledbury, veterans gathered in the Walled Garden, where there is a commemorative flowerbed planted and where, earlier this year, a stone memorial was unveiled and oak tree planted to mark the conflict. Two Korean flowering cherries were also planted next to the Community Centre.

Visitors included the Mayor of Ledbury, Coun Clive Jupp, and there were also standards present from the Royal British Legion branches in Hereford, Ledbury and Little Marcle. The Hereford branch of the Korean Veterans Association had their own standard on parade and there was also a Korean flag and Union Jack.

After the service, led by The Rev. Dr Colin Beevers, members went on to a reception at Ledbury Royal British Legion Club.

Most of the troops serving in Korea were on their National Service and a large number came from Herefordshire, notably serving in the King's Shropshire Light Infantry.

The war started on June 25, 1950, with the invasion of the republic of South Korea by Communist North Korea. The United Nations intervened for the South and China for the North and the war was concluded with an armistice signed on July 27, 1953.