The war memorial project was concluded with a rededication ceremony on Monday (July 15).

The ceremony was attended by town mayor, Cllr. Jill Farrow, chairman of the Axminster branch of the Royal British Legion, Mr Peter Slimon, parishioners and our children from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

The first part of the ceremony, led by Fr Jacek, took place in the school hall with prayers, hymns sung by the children, including these words: “When I think about the Cross. When I think of Jesus, I’m reminded of His Love Love that never leaves me Who am I that He should die giving love so freely. When I think about the Cross help me to believe it.”

This was followed by the Roll of Honour and personal address delivered by Richard Salt (about Private Harold Spurway who died during the Second World War aged just 19) and a Gospel reading from a pupil. The procession then moved to the memorial where wreaths were laid by officials and pupils representing each class at the school.

A spokesman for the event said: "It was a solemn and memorable occasion which followed a similar format to the ceremony held over 105 years ago when the memorial was first installed, and has increased the community’s awareness of the war memorial.

"It certainly moved one of the children presenting one of the wreaths. The Headteacher reported the next day that this child had made a cross at home and brought it to school, gathering her friends around it to pray."