A SERVICE to commemorate the end of combat operations in Afghanistan and to honour British that served there has been organised by two Spennymoor veterans.

The memorial will be held at the Spennymoor Cenotaph on Saturday, March 28, at 11am.

The service will pay tribute to members of the Armed Forces past and present who served in Afghanistan, in particular Spennymoor soldier Private Dean Hutchinson, 23, who died in a fire at Camp Bastion on February 14, 2011.

In 2012 Spennymoor Town Council afforded D Company, The Rifles, based in Bishop Auckland, from which many TA soldiers served in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the freedom of the town.

British Army veteran Pete Molloy and Royal Air Force veteran Alan Gardner, who served seven and 12 years respectively, were inspired to organise the service by the Royal British Legion’s national commemorative event in London on Friday, March 13.

Mr Gardner said: “In a town that has shown so much support towards the armed forces, it seems fitting that we acknowledge them as part of our community.

"This service of thanksgiving at the cenotaph will allow the town’s veterans and town folk to pay their respects."

Everyone is invited and the organisers would like any veterans who attend to take association standards.

Poppy wreaths can be purchased from Paul Harper on 01388 814769. To be included on the list of wreath layers contact Arnold Sanderson on 07864 633898.