A SILENT soldier has been unveiled in the village of Bodenham.

The Silent Soldier campaign is in honour of British troops who fought and died in the First World War 100 years ago.

Many will have seen near life-size silhouettes of a First World War ‘Tommy’ fixed on buildings, gardens, fields, and roundabouts around the county in remembrance of those in the armed forces who came home ‘silently’ from the war, as well as those who never made it home.

The solider in Bodenham was bought through donations, not only from residents and local businesses within the parish, but also from the developer of England’s Field Bell Homes.

The unveiling of the soldier marked both the start of the parish’s commemoration of the centenary of the end of the First World War and the completion of the new estate in Bodenham Moor.

Jason Bell, managing director of Bell Homes, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with the local residents and the parish council during the construction of England’s Field.

"New construction projects within villages are not always a welcome addition but we are very proud of how the development sits within the village and we have had excellent feedback from all involved."

Bell Homes liaised closely with the parish council and residents regarding the design and siting of the new 40 home development opposite England’s Gate Inn.

The developer has also donated towards the purchase of a defibrillator and replaced the old wooden bus shelter at England’s Field with a brick one. In addition, the firm arranged to have the metal seat from the old bus shelter, which had been made at the Bodenham Forge, refurbished and painted a bright pillar box red.

This was to match the telephone kiosk situated next door, now a parish drop-in library, which Bell Homes also repaired for Bodenham.