A SCULPTURE that was made to honour the memory of servicemen and women, and animals, who died in wars has been unveiled.

The Pershore War Horse Memorial Project is the brainchild of resident Sue Cosnett and is backed by Wychavon District Council. The Warhorse Memorial Sculpture, made by local blacksmith Steven Cooper is made from recycled horseshoes and was unveiled to the public on Saturday.

Ms Cosnett said:"3 or 400 people turned up. It was absolutely fantastic. We had some horses turn up all the way from Warwickshire, some local horses, and a little Shetland pony. "

"We had a speech from the Pershore Mayor Chris Parsons, and the vicar Reverend Claire Lording did a speech, and I did a speech but mine was a bit shaky."

"People couldn't believe how magnificent it was. Steve is truly a gifted blacksmith. He puts 100 percent into his work."

Ms Cosnett gave special thanks to Mr Cooper and the team that helped her with the project including Kerry Sinnet, Billy Claridge, Ruby Edwards and Charlotte Grace.

She also thanked Wychavon District Council who gave a her a grant for the sculpture and Pershore Sea Cadets who made the purple poppies that were laid around the sculpture.

Ms Cosnett said: "I'd like to thank Star Signs in Pershore who made the banners and labels for the Pershore carnival buckets. And Pershore Carnival who raised £1,568, a dance group called Northern Soul, Cherry Orchard School, who did a chocolate bingo to raise money and The Angel in Pershore who did a quiz night."

Thanks go to everyone who donated and sponsored a horseshoe, and to St Barnabas School, Holy Redeemer School and Abbey Park First School who all raised money for the project and Simply Stone in Pershore who donated.