PONTYPOOL Community Council and the Veteran's Association Pontypool Branch have installed two new commemorative park benches to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

The official unveiling of the benches is the first of a series of events by the Veteran's Association this year to pay tribute to the sacrifice made by so many.

Pontypool Community Council chairman Bryn Parker attended and said: “It was very good to meet with veterans as we continue to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

“It is always important to remember those lost and we support our veterans in various ways. The benches are beautifully designed and very eye catching.”

One bench has been placed behind the memorial gates in Italian Gardens behind the park gates opposite the Town Hall and the other bench has been placed alongside the memorial gates in Pontymoile.

Chairman of the Veteran's Association in Pontypool, Steve Vaughan, 60, said: “They are beautiful and it’s great when you see people sitting on them.

“It was a wonderful afternoon meeting with other veterans to unveil the benches and their design is very poignant.”

The veterans are also planning a commemorative display in the public facing window of Pontypool Community Council later this year.