Essex memorial to remember firefighters who died in service

Gladiators star Saracen, also known as Michael Lewis, left, was joined by the deputy mayor Chelmsford Jude Deakin and celebrity firefighter Lee Phillips

Work has started to build a memorial paying tribute to firefighters who have died in service.

The poignant tribute will be unveiled at the Living Memorial site in Rettendon, near Wickford in Essex, in May.

Gladiators star Saracen, otherwise known as Michael Lewis, joined celebrity firefighter Lee Phillips to break ground on Thursday.

Organiser Ronnie Patterson said it would make a "meaningful tribute".

The memorial would be built alongside others dedicated to various military and civilian services, he said.

The memorial building will be full of firefighter memorabilia, a garden of remembrance and a memorial wall.

It would consist of a building displaying firefighter memorabilia, a garden of remembrance and a memorial wall.

The project is being led by the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, which was set up for firefighters and their families who ride motorcycles.

"As firefighters and members of the Red Knights, we feel a deep responsibility to create a meaningful tribute that reflects the bravery and sacrifice of our colleagues," he said.

"This memorial will stand as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude for generations to come."

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