A commemorative Centenary Fields plaque remembering the contribution of Sikh soldiers in the first World War has been unveiled in Preston.

Preston City Council honoured 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.

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

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

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Mayor of Preston, Councillor Trevor Hart, said: “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.”

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Gulab Singh MBE, representative of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Cultural and Recreation Centre, said: “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.”

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.”