CONSTRUCTION of a new extension to the Army Air Corps War Memorial at Middle Wallop is under way.

Derek Twigg, the Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans, dug up the symbolic first clod of turf which will make way for a display commemorating the 50th anniversary of the corps.

The monument will feature a curved wall of 21 polished granite panels depicting the corps' history, which will be positioned around the current memorial.

The panels will be inscribed with scenes from the theatres of operation where it has served, as well as rolls of honour for soldiers who have died in service.

Work will be completed by 15 September, when it is hoped the extension will be officially unveiled by the Prince of Wales during his visit as part of the anniversary celebrations.

The idea for the extension to the memorial was conceived in March 2005 and the project is now being headed up by Captain Paul Furber.

He said: "The aim is to recognise the 50 years of achievements signified by where we have been around the world and to draw it into the present day.

"The two rolls of honour will show the cost of those achievements and hopefully provide a fitting memorial to all of those men."

During his visit, the minister also presented several soldiers who have completed their flying training with their Pilot's Wings, and visited accommodation and met soldiers and their families.