A commemorative Centenary Fields plaque remembering the contribution of Sikh soldiers in the first World War is to be unveiled in Preston.

Preston City Council will be honouring the memories of those soldiers who fought and died in conflict by designating Avenham and Miller Parks as a Centenary Field, part of the UK-wide commemoration programme by Fields in Trust.

The plaque will be unveiled on Friday November 9.

Avenham and Miller Parks will also feature in the Centenary Fields Legacy Programme online story map, to remember those who served and lost their lives during conflict, and to say ‘Thank You’ to the World War I generation.

The Centenary Fields commemorative plaque will be unveiled by the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Trevor Hart, at the Ribblesdale Place entrance to Avenham Park.

Alongside the plaque will be an interpretation board recognising the Sikh contribution to World War I and World War II. This board will be unveiled by Lord Shuttleworth, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire.

Sikh bravery was recognised at the highest level with five Victoria Cross awards and many more Sikh soldiers being decorated. For Sikhs, serving goes to the heart of their values of equality and fighting for social justice.

Mayor of Preston, Councillor Trevor Hart, said: “We are delighted to participate in the Fields in Trust Centenary Fields programme to publicly demonstrate our gratitude to the World War I generation in this unique way.

“Protecting Avenham and Miller Parks means our local community will always have somewhere for play, sport or a quiet moment of reflection, and we are pleased to be part of marking the protection of parks and green spaces across the UK in this, the final year of World War I centenary commemorations.

“It is also an honour to recognise the contribution of the Sikh communities in both World War I and II by presenting the interpretation board at this event.”

Jamie Leeson at Fields in Trust added: “We congratulate Preston City Council for dedicating Avenham and Miller Parks as a Centenary Field. It is now included forever in our national programme to commemorate World War I.

“Protection of this site not only recognises the sacrifices of those who gave their lives during the conflict, but also ensures that future generations have valuable green space to enjoy as a living legacy.”

Gulab Singh MBE, representative of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Cultural and Recreation Centre, said: “We are pleased to work with Preston City Council, the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and Fields in Trust to pay tribute to and recognise the Sikh soldiers’ contribution to World War I and II.

“The connection with Sikh soldiers is through the historic links of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, based at Fulwood Barracks, in particular the Jullundur Brigade.

"For Preston and the local Sikh Community this is a truly remarkable occasion for acknowledging the contributions Sikhs made and a legacy in their memory, alongside other soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth.”