KIDDERMINSTER concluded its programme of events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with a parade through the town and a church service.

Members of local branches of ex-services organisations marched to St Mary and All Saints Church, where the war memorial was rededicated following restoration work.

Civic leaders attended the event, which included a service of commemoration, thanksgiving and hope for the future at the church.

Martin Fellows, Kidderminster's associate town clerk and clerk to the town's Charter Trustees, one of the groups involved in organising Sunday's parade and service, said there was an "excellent turn-out".

"It's always difficult mustering such a large number of people," he added.

"Overall, I think everybody was pleased with the occasion, which brought to an end the commemoration of the 60 years.

"It was an opportunity for townspeople to pay their respects to those who had fought and served their country 60 years ago."

The Archdeacon of Dudley, the Ven Fred Trethewey, conducted the rededication service for the town's war memorial, the winged figure of peace, marking the completion of the second phase of refurbishment.

Ken Stokes, chairman of Kidderminster War Memorial Conservation Trust, said: "I think people watching it would have said it went splendidly.

"I thought it went very, very well.

"I was extremely pleased and gratified because, at last, we had got something done."

He added that the memorial trust was now trying to raise £20,000 to pay for the final stages of the restoration work.