CELEBRATIONS will be held in Pershore to mark the unveiling of a unique wartime memorial for the town.
The wraps will be taken off the Pershore Warhorse Memorial project next Saturday (November 9) at 1pm in the Commemorative Garden in Abbey Park.
After nearly a year of fund-raising events, sponsorship and generous donations from local people and organisations, the statue will be revealed.
Military organisations around the country and even some from abroad have also backed the sculpture which has been designed and created by local blacksmith Steven Cooper.
The life-size sculpture of a horse is made from horseshoes, many of which have been donated, including one from the First World War.
It is accompanied by a farrier and beneath the sculpture the ashes from a Royal Military Police dog called Chief will be interred.
Rev Claire Lording will bless the sculpture at 1pm in the company of representatives from various military organisations, local dignitaries, and fund-raisers. Many supporters are also bringing their horses to pay their respects.
Sue Cosnett, chairman and founder of the project, urged residents: “Come and see this magnificent Warhorse Memorial sculpture in its glory.”
She added: “This project would not have succeeded without the amazing support of the local community and we want as many people as possible to be there to celebrate the revealing of the sculpture.
“The fund has raised more than £13,000 and after payment for the sculpture and all expenses incurred, any excess funds will be donated to Combat Stress, the Armed Forces mental health charity.
Local children were invited to design a purple poppy which commemorates all animals who were lost or suffered at war. The winners of the competition will be presented with a keepsake after the blessing.
The design of the overall winner will be depicted on the memorial stone which accompanies the sculpture.
All entries will be displayed in Pershore Library from Thursday (November 7) for a week.
