A PLAQUE has been added to the Redditch war memorial for Lance Corporal Dale Hopkins, who died fighting in Afghanistan in 2009.

L/cpl Hopkins’ name was added to the memorial, which stands outside St Stephen’s Church in the centre of Redditch, ahead of the Remembrance Day parade which takes place on Sunday.

Redditch Borough Council is now issuing an appeal to other residents who have lost a loved one in war or armed conflict after the second world war, to come forward and have plaques added to the memorial in their memory.

Deputy mayor of Redditch, Councillor Wanda King, unveiled the new plaque last week.

She said: “I think that new plaques on the memorial outside St Stephen’s are an excellent way to remember people from the borough who have fought and lost their lives for queen and country.

“Remembrance Day is a particularly poignant time of the year and I believe that the more brave local servicemen and women we pay our respects to the better.

“I would urge any local families who have lost loved ones in this way to come forward and get a plaque, so that as a town we can pay tribute to their sacrifice.”

Families or friends of Redditch residents who have lost their lives in war and armed conflict, and who would like to see a plaque added to the memorial, should contact Redditch Borough Council’s bereavement services on 01527 62174 for more information, or to speak to their local ward councillor.