Monument to honour firefighters

The monument has taken two years to construct

Firefighters from around the country have attended the unveiling of a new national Fire Service Monument.

The memorial, Firefighters Serving Humanity, in Alrewas, Staffordshire, is dedicated to the men and women who have lost their lives in service.

The Princess Royal, who is patron of the Firefighters Memorial Charitable Trust, unveiled the monument.

The families of four firefighters killed in a warehouse in Warwickshire in November were among those at event.

Ashley Stephens, 20; John Averis, 27; Darren Yates-Badley, 24, and Ian Reid, 44, died in the fire at Atherstone-on-Stour.

After the service, some of their family members were introduced to the princess.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Ceremonial Squad was also among those at the service while Lichfield firefighters acted as marshals.

The monument is constructed of granite stone and has been two years in the making.