THE installation of two memorial benches in Abersychan was marked with a remembrance ceremony on Friday afternoon.

The ceremony, organised by Abersychan ward councillor Giles Davies, saw a wreath being laid at the benches, which were installed to commemorate the fallen soldiers from Abersychan in the First and Second World Wars.

After a short prayer and a reading from Pastor John Funnell of Noddfa Baptist Church, Nancy Felton, who has sold poppies in the ward for the Royal British Legion for 50 years, laid the wreath.

Cllr Davies said: “I’m very pleased. It’s a great way to honour the fallen from our ward.

“As you pass by on the main road, you can see the benches and take a moment to remember their sacrifice.

“I’m pleased that the community pulled together. The café here donated teas and coffees for the servicemen and standard bearers.”

Mrs Felton has been selling poppies for the Royal British Legion since 1969.

She said: “It’s an honour to be asked to lay the wreath.

“The community has really supported it. Everyone’s come out for the ceremony.

“When I’m selling poppies, nobody ever says they don’t want to buy one.”

The ceremony was attended by members of The Royal British Legion, Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, leader of the council Anthony Hunt, Torfaen council's armed forces champion Cllr Alan Jones, the Gwent Police cadets and the local ward councillors.

Pastor Funnell said: “Throughout the Bible we see many examples of God asking His people to make tangible the truths that cannot be seen.

“In the same way these benches express in a physical way our communities’ appreciation for all those who gave their lives for our freedom today.”

Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle said: "It was an honour to attend the service of dedication for Abersychan’s new Memorial Benches.

"I am sure they will be very well used. They are a fitting memorial to local people who gave their lives in the two World Wars."