A unique event will be held in Worcestershire to commemorate the sacrifices made by horses in the First World War.

People are being invited to come along on horseback or on foot and be part of an outdoor service at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern next month.

The event is being organised by the county council in partnership with the Worcestershire branch of the Countryside Alliance and Worcestershire Armed Forces Community Covenant.

The service takes place on Sunday, November 2 at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern. The showground can be accessed via the yellow gate from 10am with the service scheduled to start at 10.30am.

The Rev Phillip Jones will lead the event and there will be a collection in aid of Armed Forces charities.

Cllr Rob Adams, Chair of the Worcestershire Community Covenant Partnership, who has helped to organise the event said: "This service will provide a moment of reflection for all the horses that served, suffered and died alongside British and Allied forces during the Great War.  

"More than a million horses and mules were deployed by the British Army during the conflict and very few returned home. For these humble animals they had no choice and we want everyone attending to represent a horse that was lost during the conflict."

Cllr Simon Geraghty, Deputy Leader of Worcestershire County Council, added: "At a time where we remember the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers who lost their lives during the events of World War One, we also pay tribute to the animals who took part, side by side, 100 years ago. 

"It's easy to forget that horses had many different roles during the war including moving ammunition and general supplies as well as pulling artillery and even being ridden by soldiers in the frontline."

For further information contact Audrey Steel on 01386 792266 or Cllr Rob Adams on 01905 345223