A WAR memorial for those who died in the First World War was re-dedicated during a moving service at Blackburn’s new town centre Cathedral Quarter.

The memorial has been restored, with the names of those who died re-inscribed, along with re-bronzing of the plaques and replacement of the Sword of Sacrifice which decorated the monument.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Originally located at the Church of Saint Michael’s and All Angels in Whalley New Road, the memorial was first unveiled in 1920.

Following the church’s demolition in the 1980s it was moved to the grounds of Blackburn Cathedral until work started on the new development last year.

The very reverend Christopher Armstrong, Dean of Blackburn led Saturday’s service.

Hymns were sung and prayers said before the names of 195 soldiers were read out as those gathered stood in silence.

The Last Post was played by a bugler and a minute’s silence observed.

Members of The Somme and Quebec Army cadets attended in uniform.

William Greenhalgh, 77, was there to witness the re-dedication and remember his two uncles, Richard and William Parkinson.

Both of the soldiers, who died aged 19 and were from Bastwell, have their names inscribed on the memorial.

Mr Greenhalgh, who attended with wife Pamela and son Christopher, said: “It was a fantastic and dignified setting for the memorial.

“The service was moving and a fitting tribute. It looks great and the location could not be bettered.

“Every credit to all those involved from the cathedral, the council and the history groups who have made this project come to fruition.”

The memorial is reminiscent of the great cenotaph in Whitehall, London, with its four-sided obelisk design and a large base with an inscription that reads: ‘In honour of the men who fell in the Great War 1914-1919’.