West Midlands specials marked at National Memorial Arboretum

The arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, marks the sacrifices made by armed and civil services

A memorial has been unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the work of volunteer special constables across the West Midlands.

It has been laid in The Beat area of the Staffordshire site, dedicated to the police forces of England and Wales.

A commemorative stone has been designed and carved by Warwickshire Special Constable Bradley Steele.

It was unveiled at the Alrewas arboretum by Katie Nielson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire.

The inscription on the stone reads: "In recognition of the dedication to duty by members of the Special Constabulary protecting and serving their communities and to commemorate those Specials who have died in service to their country."

It marks the work of specials in the West Midlands, West Mercia, Staffordshire and Warwickshire forces.

Gary Croshaw Chief Officer of the West Midlands Police Special Constabulary described it as a "fitting memorial" to his colleagues.

Bishop Derek Webley, who chairs the West Midlands Police Authority, led a dedication.