TIDWORTH’S war memorial is “on target” for completion ready for its unveiling next month.

The project was due to be completed in time to celebrate Armed Forces Day on June 24 but was delayed when a key part became stuck in India awaiting to be shipped over to the UK.

The memorial is being built outside the town’s community centre.

The chairman of the Tidworth War Memorial Committee Daryl Stevenson said the project is “well on target” to meet the date of the official opening.

The memorial will be made up of granite monoliths featuring engravings of the town’s history from the First World War up to modern day.

All the groundwork has been completed and the central spire is in place. Work on installing the monoliths and lighting is set to start on August 21.

“For me over the last few years the military population of Tidworth and the town have become a lot closer. Tidworth is growing quite phenomenally at a fair old speed and it gives a focal point for the first time,” said Daryl.

“It is going to be a central addition to the town.”

He added: “It’s been two-and-a-half years bringing it through to realisation. I will be really happy when it is officially opened so the community can use it.”

The war memorial will be unveiled at a ceremony on Saturday, September 2. Celebrations start from noon with the official opening taking place at 1pm.

There will be music from the Royal Artillery Band and the Military Wives Choir as well as a prize giving for the local children who helped design the war memorial.

Daryl hopes to to get as many of the community along on the day to support the event and join in the unveiling of the town’s first public war memorial.

Tidworth mayor and Wiltshire councillor Mark Connolly made the first cut into the ground at the end of March, marking the start of work on the memorial.

Contributions toward the building costs have been made by Persimmons Homes UK.