A POIGNANT service was held in Kinson as the area’s new memorial plaque honouring the fallen was unveiled to the community for the first time.

Despite the wet weather, dozens of people attended the service next to the Kinson Hub on Sunday lunchtime.

Two granite plaques, one commemorating World War One and the other World War Two are displayed on the outside wall of the hub, looking into the memorial garden on the green.

Servicemen and women as well as Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns and council leader John Beesley were there alongside ward councillors Amedeo Angiolini and Mark Battistini and other council representatives. Commodore Jamie Miller was also present alongside Royal Marine cadets and other members of the forces and local scouts and beavers.

The family of Rifleman Jonny Allott, killed in Afghanistan in 2009, also joined in the service. His name is engraved on the new plaque.

The service, led by Reverend Lee Shirvill from St Andrew’s Church, included hymns O God Our Help in Ages Past, I Vow To Thee My Country and Jerusalem.

Speaking during the service, Mr Burns said: “It’s wonderful to see such a formidable turn out.

“This is a wonderful community initiative to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

“It’s pretty poignant that we gather here on the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.”

Praising the courage and professionalism of the armed forces, he added: “One of the most difficult things I have found is when the House of Commons is debating and voting on sending the armed forces into action and we know we are going to send them into harm’s way.

“It is [a decision] taken with a heavy heart.”

Andrea Johnson, Jonny Allott’s mother laid a floral tribute alongside her son, Daniel, who laid a wreath.

“It’s been very emotional”, she told the Daily Echo. “I am so proud of him and so pleased to see he hasn’t been forgotten. His name on there will mean he and others will never be forgotten.”