Window at All Saints Pavement York dedicated to troops

The window was created with the support of relatives of those killed in Afghanistan

A new stained glass window commemorating the troops who served in Afghanistan will be dedicated later.

A public appeal by The Press newspaper raised more than £17,000 to pay for the window at the Church of All Saints Pavement in York.

The window also pays special tribute to three men from York who were killed in Afghanistan.

The service of dedication takes place at 16:00 BST and will be led by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

Relatives of Marine David Hart, Lance Bombardier Mathew Hatton and Trooper Ashley David Smith will also attend the private service.

The window is designed by stained glass artist Helen Whittaker, from Barley Studio at Dunnington, near York.

Miss Whittaker said she had worked closely with the families of the three servicemen.

"The main focus of the window is the traditional symbol of peace in the form of a dove, which is also the symbol of the Holy Spirit," she said.

Miss Whittaker said her design was inspired by meeting the relatives of those killed

The three servicemen are represented as individual stones and their regimental badges are clearly displayed in this section of the window

"Beneath the dove is a winding pavement, made from cobbles or sets; a reference to the Church of All Saints Pavement, which stands on one of the earliest paved streets in York.

"In the distance can be seen a glimpse of the Heavenly City, the final resting place of all our journeys."

Sandra Smith, the mother of Ashley David Smith, said she believed it was a fitting tribute: "It's brilliant really. For other people to see and to understand what they gave up, in our armed forces, to keep us safe.

"It's a good tribute to them all."