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Midland memorial for Dunblane victims

The exact design of the sculpture, carved out of a fallen yew tree, has been kept a secret.

But the sculptor Walter Bailey, who was awarded the commission last year by the National Association for Primary Education, said it would be a "celebration of the children's lives".

The sculpture is situated in the centre of the National Forest - a new forest being created across a 200-square mile stretch of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

New trees will also be planted at the site to symbolise renewal and life.

The Defence Secretary, George Robertson, who lives in Dunblane and was deeply affected by the tragedy, is attending the ceremony.

A number of bereaved families and community representatives are also expected to travel south for the event.

Last month a memorial garden was opened in Dunblane at the town's cemetery. Flowers and a Bear and Wolf sculpture make the centrepiece of the remembrance memorial.

Gwen Mayor and the 16 children were murdered by Thomas Hamilton when he burst into the gymnasium at Dunblane Primary School before turning his gun on himself on March 13, 1996.

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Dunblane victims remembered (14 Mar 98 | UK)

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