AN all embracing war memorial for the town will also recognise anyone who has served Bromsgrove residents it has been revealed.

The Advertiser has been reporting on the plans for the memorial since it was first called for in 2009, following the tragic death of teenage Bromsgrove soldier Private Robert Laws earlier that year.

Ian Riley, secretary of the Bromsgrove Armed Forces Memorial Fund (BAFMF) which was set up to raise £50,000 for the memorial, says a pledge of £20,000 from Bromsgrove District Council guarantees the memorial will be in place for Armed Forces Day next June.

The council’s cabinet members agreed to give the amount to BAFMF at its meeting on November 7, and it leaves the fund-raisers only £5,000 short.

Mr Riley said: “The council’s support has been fantastic.

“It means there is no doubt the memorial will be ready for Armed Forces Day.”

The main side of the memorial will honour those in the Armed Forces currently serving and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr Riley said council leader Roger Hollingworth raised with BAFMF the possibility of having an inscription on the opposite side, recognising the contribution of those serving in the emergency services, after he was approached by townsfolk with the idea.

Mr Riley said this has now been agreed, and the opposite side will include the words: “In recognition of those brave individuals who have given their lives, been injured in the line of duty, or are still serving and protecting our communities.”

Councillor Hollingworth welcomed the news: “I had emails and calls from people about this.

“They said to me: ‘What about the rest of the people who risk their lives on a daily basis in this country?’

“It is good news.”

In the run up to Christmas BAFMF is to hold street collections, and in February Bromsgrove Rugby Club will hold a fund-raiser.

For more details, see bromsgrovememorialfund.co.uk.