Veterans and youngsters marched to an emotional service at the new Station Lane war monument – which bears the names of more than 400 townsfolk who gave their lives for their country.

The brick memorial, with a curved wall and seating area, was built after a campaign backed by councillors and the Royal British Legion.

Brian Harper, chairman of the Featherstone and District Garden Memorial Fund, said: “Thousands came including Lord St Oswald, Lord Lofthouse and Lord Masham.

“Everyone praised the memorial and there were tears all over.

“This has taken campaigners years of work, it’s the end of a dream to see it complete.”

Ex-servicemen were presented with recognition badges at the event, which also included a fair, bands and entertainment at Featherstone Rovers’ Chris Moyles Stadium.

On Monday an RAF Red Arrows stunt team soared over the memorial to finish the celebrations.

Featherstone councillor Roy Bickerton said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day, just out of this world. At last the names of Featherstone people who died in war are listed together.”

The war memorial was paid for by fundraising and donations and was built by Balfour Beatty.

l Visit www.pontefractandcastlefordexpress.co.uk for a slideshow of pictures from the memorial’s opening.