HEREFORDSHIRE residents are invited to attend a special Ceremony of Remembrance at Hereford Cathedral on Thursday 12 November at 1pm, marking the culmination of Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion's Pin Your Poppy campaign.

The ceremony will bring together senior policing leaders, local dignitaries, schoolchildren and community representatives from across Herefordshire to pay tribute to servicemen and women, past and present.

Since 2022, PCC John Campion has encouraged communities to create and pin handmade poppies onto six 'Unknown Tommy' statues located outside police stations across West Mercia.

Over the years, hundreds of poppies have been added as a lasting tribute to those who have served their country.

Members of the public can attend free of charge and are encouraged to register for a ticket via Eventbrite.

Commissioner Campion said: "The success of Pin Your Poppy is down to the public who have embraced the campaign and helped it grow year after year. It is therefore fitting to recognise their contribution by inviting the local communities to join us for this special ceremony in one of Herefordshire's most iconic venues.

"West Mercia Police has a proud history of welcoming veterans into its ranks, highlighting the strong and enduring bond between policing and the Armed Forces.

“With more than 50,000 veterans living across West Mercia, and Herefordshire home to one of the highest concentrations of veterans in the country, this ceremony provides an important opportunity to honour their service, alongside the sacrifices and contributions of those who came before them."

Chief Inspector Greg Tudge, who will also be in attendance, said: “Remembrance is an opportunity for communities to come together and honour the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have served their country, both past and present.

“Across Herefordshire, we are proud of the strong links between policing, the Armed Forces and our veteran community.”