Royal visit for memorial unveiling

The memorial sculpture at the centre of the event was funded by Townswomen Guilds members, who raised over £15,000 towards the memorial since 2015.

Princess Anne is a patron of the Townswomen's Guilds and attended the event to show her support.

Jenny Rideout, Townswomen's Guilds national chairman, said: “As mothers, wives and daughters, Townswomen have been affected by conflict through the ages.

"Our memorial is in remembrance of parents, spouses and children who have died or been wounded whilst on active service in conflicts worldwide.

"The memorial will also commemorate those civilians who have died or suffered as a result of conflict.

“We were delighted to be invited to become involved with the National Memorial Arboretum, alongside so many other prominent national organisations."

The unveiling of the memorial took place on Thursday morning at the remembrance site on Croxall Road, Alrewas.

Sarah Montgomery, managing director, National Memorial Arboretum, said: "The National Memorial Arboretum is home to over 350 memorials that commemorate people from all walks of life that have served, sacrificed, or suffered on behalf of our nation.

"Today we were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the Arboretum for the dedication of the memorial for the Townswomen's Guild.

"This new tribute to the service of Guild members and their families also recognises the wider impact of conflict and how civilians can suffer as a result."

Officially opened in 2001, The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has 150 acres of woodland and almost 30,000 trees, with more added each year.

There are over 350 memorials for both the armed forces and civilian organisations.

Designed and constructed by Allan Cannell, the Townswomen’s Guilds’ memorial has taken its place among those associated with other significant UK institutions, including the Salvation Army and the Women’s Institute.