ONE Somerset village is set to commemorate those who died in both World War One and World War Two with a brand new memorial.

Despite loosing men in both wars, Ilton, near Ilminster, has never had a war memorial.

But now, Ilton Parish Council has commissioned an oak war memorial for the village green, which is set to be finished in time for Remembrance Day this year.

The oak cross memorial is being carved with the words 'Lest We Forget' and will be created by Ben Harms LTD, a local master carver.

It will be erected on November 1 2021.

Cllr Grahame MacKenzie-Green, from Ilton Parish Council, said: "I used to go to Broadway for Remembrance Sunday and it always bothered me that Ilton didn't have a war memorial.

"And so this year I am very much looking forward to the ceremony."

There will be 19 silhouettes, one for each soldier/airman who did not return to the village after the wars, each with a brass plaque, which will state their name and regiment.

"Despite losing men in both the first and second world wars, Ilton has never had a war memorial," said Sue Morley, Ilton Parish clerk.

"This will now change. On Thursday, November 11, starting at 10.30 a.m. there will be a dedication service on the Village Green and on Sunday, November 14, there will be a remembrance service on the Village Green starting at 10.30am.

"We have contacted the Rifles (Somerset Light Infantry) and the 101st Airborne (USA) who left Merryfield Airfield on June 5 1944, the day before D-Day and also the RAF association, as we have 10 pilots buried in our churchyard and cemetery, and RNAS Yeovilton.

"We hope to have representatives from all the services and have extended the invitation to local groups and the school.

"In addition we hope to have the Village Hall open on the Sunday morning for refreshments."

For more information visit iltonparishcouncil.co.uk.