Men from Soham who died in the battle of the Somme have been remembered with the unveiling of a special plaque.

In an event organised by Rosemary Aitchison and the Royal British Legion the plaque was unveiled on the renovated pavilion in the town.

The plaque recognises the sacrifice of Soham men during the World War One battle 100 years ago.

The Battle of the Somme, fought in northern France, was one of the bloodiest of WW1.

For five months the British and French armies fought the Germans in a brutal battle of attrition on a 15-mile front.

The aims of the battle were to relieve the French Army fighting at Verdun and to weaken the German Army. However, the Allies were unable to break through German lines. In total, there were over one million dead and wounded on all sides.

The day was a disaster for the British. and as soldiers advanced, they were mown down by machine gun and rifle fire.

In total, 19,240 British soldiers lost their lives. It was the bloodiest day in the history of the British army.

Involved in the plaque unveiling were John Aitchison, secretary Soham Royal British Legion, Roland Palmer, Soham Royal British Legion president, Colonel Colin Elsden, county president, Col Roger Herriot, OBE, DL, who unveiled the plaque, councillor Rosemary Aitchison, vice chairman, Soham Town Council, Rev Alan Jesson, county chaplain and Glenn Woodbridge, Soham RBL chairman.