A series of commemorative benches are being installed across Wolverhampton as the City marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Type=image;ImageID=15409;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=One of the benches installed in Bilston;TitleClass=strong;

Type=image;ImageID=15410;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=First World War memorial bench;TitleClass=strong;

A total of 9 steel benches, depicting poppies and silhouettes of soldiers on the battlefields, are currently being fitted in key locations in Wolverhampton, Bilston, Tettenhall and Wednesfield.

Three benches will sited in Wolverhampton, with 2 outside St Peter's Collegiate Church - one by the Cenotaph and a second by the Lich Gate war memorial gardens - and a third at the Interchange.

Benches will also be installed either side of the Oxford Street war memorial in Bilston, and at Upper and Lower Green in Tettenhall, while the final two will be sited in Wednesfield, with one at the St Thomas Memorial Gardens and a second on High Street.

On each bench is a plaque which reads: "Placed here on behalf of the people of the City of Wolverhampton to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One and to remember those who served. 1918 to 2018."

The benches were commissioned by the City of Wolverhampton Council and produced by David Ogilvie Engineering. The benches have a 20 year life span and will replace existing benches which will be taken away for refurbishment.

Councillor Linda Leach, chair of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Remembrance Committee, said: "It's incredibly important that we as a City remember the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives during the First World War to ensure our peace and freedom.

"We hope the benches will provide a place for people to spend time to reflect, remember and give thanks."

Mayor Councillor Philip Page added: "The First World War touched every family in Wolverhampton, and these benches are a poignant reminder of what the country went through during those incredibly dark days a century ago."

Peter Murphy, President of the Bilston branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "The Royal British Legion is pleased to be supporting this important initiative which will provide a long lasting memorial to those who fought and died in the First World War."

The installation of the benches is one of dozens of activities taking place in Wolverhampton over the coming months to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

They are being organised by the City of Wolverhampton Council and partner organisations across the City and include events, exhibitions, displays and services of remembrance.

More information about the commemorations will be announced in the coming weeks, while a dedicated website detailing activities taking place locally is being developed which will enable organisations and individuals to share their events.

Meanwhile, the Royal British Legion is asking organisations, groups and individuals to sponsor and display metal or polymer Silent Solider silhouettes on buildings, in gardens, offices or the home as part of a nationwide thank you campaign.

The City of Wolverhampton Council will be among those displaying a Silent Solider in memory of those who did not return home and those who did and went on to lay the foundations for the society and the freedoms people enjoy today.

For more details about sponsoring a Silent Soldier, please contact Alison Bates from the Royal British Legion in Wolverhampton and the Black Country on 07920 806092 or by emailing abates@britishlegion.org.uk.