A GROUP of servicemen were among those at a ceremony which honoured three brave soldiers who fought for their country more than 100 years ago.

Current and former Army personnel and reservists were among those who attended a rededication service at St Mary's Churchyard in Wedmore, for the graves of three First World War servicemen.

The graves of 2nd-Lt Victor Bracey, of the Royal Flying Corps and Pte William Cottrell, of the 44th Canadian Infantry, have been restored thanks to funding from the Wedmore War Graves appeal.

The appeal exceeded its initial funding target, allowing a third grave, belong to Territorial Army soldier, Sgt Joseph Wilkinson, of the Army Service Corps, to also be restored.

The graves appeal was launched by military author Tim Moreman, who lives locally.

He said: “We are extremely grateful to all of those who donated to this appeal.

“These graves were in urgent need of repair, although unfortunately fell outside of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's responsibility as they were private memorials erected by their families who no longer live in Wedmore.

“Now that we have raised enough for the repairs and they have been carried out, we are proud to hold this rededication service to honour our fallen heroes.”

At Saturday's service, TA officer, Brig Nigel Beacom, and Major Brian Corbett, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), delivered a reading before laying commemorative wreaths on each of the graves.

The service was also attended by representatives from 155 (Wessex) Transport Regiment RLC, the 6th Regiment Army Air Corps and the 1955 Air Cadet Squadron.