Never forgotten

Salford Veterans Memorial Garden has been unveiled at Swinton Cenotaph.

The memorial garden has been created by the Salford Veterans Association, supported by Salford City Council to create a year round area for quiet reflection to remember the fallen.

New benches dedicated to local recipients of the Victoria Cross for bravery have been installed along with brass plaques to recognise 29 local soldiers who have, sadly, lost their lives in conflicts since 1945.

The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers has also dedicated three benches to three of its soldiers lost in combat: Corporal Donald Traynor 3 RRF who died in Northern Ireland, Fusilier Alex Bunney 3 RRF lost in Kuwait and Fusilier Simon Annis 2 RRF who fell in Afghanistan.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett thanked Salford Veterans Association for their hard work and dedication to the project.

"It is fitting this new garden is next to the Swinton Cenotaph to make sure our loved ones will never, ever be forgotten. It now creates a space where people can sit down, reflect and remember,” he said.

Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, said: "Our thoughts remain with all the families and friends who have lost their loved ones in conflicts."