MEMBERS of Pershore and District RNA met with branches from across the country for the unveiling of the Naval Service Memorial on Sunday.

They joined over 100 standard bearers and 2,000 veterans as they paraded behind the Royal Marine Band for the unveiling of the installation at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire.

The main memorial was officially unveiled by Prince Michael of Kent and comprises 13 coloured glass panels, described by designer Graeme Mitcheson as "sails", representing the various oceans of the world.

Shipmate Chris Dovey later unveiled the figure of a bowed sailor which stands facing towards the sun during his reading of Binyon's Lines.

It is dedicated to the entire Naval Service including the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, Wrens, Queen Alexandra's Nurses and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

It has been the main focus of the association's 60th anniversary celebrations of the receiving of the Royal Charter back in 1954.

Pershore and District Branch will be holding their own celebrations on Saturday, July 19 with a 1940s night at Pershore Naval Social Club in aid of the Poppy Appeal and their annual Sea Sunday Service the next day.