RAF Brize Norton memorial garden to be planted with poppies

The poppy has become a symbol of the loss of life in war

An Oxfordshire memorial garden for repatriated fallen soldiers is to be planted with poppies.

The garden, near RAF Brize Norton, will have the symbols of remembrance sown in a border that will flower from May.

Mike Henderson, from the Royal British Legion, said the garden was "a poignant reminder" of those killed in action.

The garden is about a mile away from RAF Brize Norton, where flights are now received on repatriation days, since it replaced RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire.

It was designed by a group of local people including the Royal British Legion as well as current and retired military personnel.

At the centre is a pole where the Union Flag from Royal Wootton Bassett is flown on the days repatriations take place.

The poppy sowing is due to take place this week.