A NEW memorial to the fallen stand proud by the River Thames in Purfleet today (Sunday, 7 November) after being unveiled at a special service.

The event was combined with Purfleet-on-Thames' annual remembrance parade and laying of wreaths which took place at St Stephen's Church.

The new memorial silhouettes at the Purfleet Military and Heritage Centre replace previous silhouettes were destroyed by vandals. See story via this link

Both of todays' events were attended by borough Mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick and Thurrock MP Jackie-Doyle Price.

The act of vandalism was discovered by resident Lisa Wright who immediately set up a fund to help get replacement figures. The story generated lots of publicity and led to a donation of the new figures by ACS Stainless Steel Ltd of Leeds.

Lisa spoke at the unveiling and said: "I am very proud to have been at the unveiling of the 26 fallen from Purfleet this morning and to have had the opportunity to speak and thank the community for getting behind the fundraiser. It's a very different looking riverfront and long may they stand."