THE finishing touches were being put to a new war memorial in Minehead's Blenheim Gardens this week - and on Sunday, it will be dedicated at a special service.

The West Somerset branch of the Burma Star Association has provided it as a memorial to the Burma Campaign of 1942-45.

The idea for it was triggered by the difficulty branch members had in getting to the town's war memorial on North Hill.

West Somerset District Council was approached by the branch about erecting it in Blenheim Gardens and approval was readily given.

The council's grounds maintenance officer Chris Adams has since worked closely with the branch to create the memorial, and is pictured with Bryce Blandford-Corp and Joe Turner of Brophy's completing the work this week.

Sunday's service will be conducted by branch chaplain the Rev David Skidmore and as well as the memorial - made from stone specially imported from India - two seats will be dedicated and blessed.

Among the guests will be Una Rowcliffe, daughter of Field Marshal Slim, who commanded the 14th Army in the Burma Campaign.

As patron of the Burma Star Association's South West area, she will lay a wreath.

Fellow South West committee members will also attend, including president Mr H J Barnes, who will give one of the two readings - West Somerset branch member Bill Salter will give the other.

And Rob Johnson, chairman of both the local branch and South West area, will recite the association's epitaph, Kohima - "When you go home, tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today".

Sunday's service begins at 2pm and all are welcome to attend.