A CELTIC cross in memory of the men and women of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives in recent conflicts is to be dedicated outside a St Albans church on Sunday.

The grey granite memorial, which stands around four feet high, is on the verge on the corner of Marshalswick Lane and Sherwood Avenue outside St Mary’s Church.

The memorial came about following a conversation between parishioner Avril Foster and the Vicar of St Mary’s, the Rev Gary Russell, earlier this year regarding his wish to see a memorial created to those who had fallen in recent conflicts.

The idea was subsequently carried forward by Avril’s husband John, a Sandridge parish councillor, who got the necessary agreement from bodies like Herts Highways which owns the verge.

The cross was commissioned from local memorial masons J J Burgess and will cost in the region of �2,700.

The church wants to set aside an additional �300 for maintenance, bringing the fundraising appeal to �3,000.

The cross bears the words, “In recognition of the valour of our armed forces in recent conflicts” as well as, “Here we mark the price of freedom.”

Some funding for the cross has already been raised with the help of the Chamber of Commerce and Cllr Foster hopes that the local community will come together to find the remainder.

Sunday’s ceremony begins at 2.30pm and will include a service of blessing and the unveiling of the cross by Deputy Mayor of St Albans, Beric Read. It will be followed at 3pm by refreshments in the church for all those who attend.

Anyone wishing to donate should send a cheque payable to the PCC, St Mary’s Church, with the words Memorial Dedication on the back to St Mary’s Church, Sherwood Avenue, St Albans AL4 9QA.