More than 60 years after the end of the Second World War a lasting memorial plaque has finally been unveiled on a green in Cobham for people who lost their lives in the conflict.

Relatives of the people commemorated on the plaque, along with ex-service men and women, attended the service at 12.30pm on Sunday, in the Avenue of Remembrance on the Tilt, in Stoke Road.

The event, which was organised by the Cobham Conservation and Heritage Trust, included a two minute silence, where the names of the people on the plaque were read out.

Gerry Acher, chairman of the trust, said the service had been a success.

He said: "Many people said it was delightful to see their relatives remembered again.

"There was a very moving dedication by Councillor Nigel Cooper, the Mayor of Elmbridge, who stressed the importance of our debt to those who gave their lives for their country."

The Avenue of Remembrance was planted with cherry trees in 1946 by the Cobham branch of the Women’s Institute to honour the dead servicemen from World War Two, but over time some of the trees died.

The trust, alongside Elmbridge Council, have reinstated the trees and Mr Acher said it created a perfect environment for the service.

He said: "The wind was blowing and the petals of the cherry trees swirled around like confetti. It was very moving.

"One member of the public was there who had been at the original ceremony 63 years ago and there was a 91-year-old veteran of the airforce who had come from Chester."

A short poem about cherry trees was read out by a member of the WI and the Cobham Band played before and after the ceremony.

At the end of the service, Mr Acher handed over a deed to Robert Moran, chief executive of the council, to ensure the plaque is kept for generations to come.